TOTHE MEMBERSOFWHO WITH LOVING HEARTS AND SELF-DENYING LABOURS HAVEHELPED TO BUILD "THE NEST" AND FEED THE BIRDSWHO HAVE FOUND SHELTER FROM THE WINTERSTORMS, BY THEIR GRATEFUL FRIEND,THE SECRETARY.

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.-00-"WHEN the Second Edition of this little book was nearlysold off, it was thought well to publish its contents in aseries of little books, which could be issued in largenumbers. This plan has been most successful; but stillmany letters are coming asking for the original book; andtherefore we have determined to send forth a ThirdEdition, bringing down the story to the present time,and embodying the contents of the later numbers ofthe little books.We commend this new edition to the loving care ofour Heavenly Father. May He bless it abundantly, andby it touch many hearts, causing them to feel for themiseries of destitute little children, and leading them tohelp in someway to provide for the little children in theBIRDS' NEST.SARAH DAVIES,35 UPPER FITZWILLIAM STREET, DUBLIN,Honorary Secretary to Children's Association.December, 1871.

HOLLY AND IVY.PART I.-00---oo--CHAPTER I.INTRODUCTORY.OLLY AND IVY! the very words make usfeel cold, and yet warm. How they remind oneof the snow-covered fields, and the keen, bitingwinds of winter! How they remind one, too, of timesof joy, and happy homes, and brightness in the midst ofdesolation!SThis little book will tell of the dreary winter time ofthe lives of destitute little children-of their sorrows andtroubles. It also tells of brightness and joy, and a happyhome; and so I have chosen those magic words for itstitle. I hope it will find its way into many Christianhomes, and be read by many of those dear children who

IO INTRODUCTORY.have early learned to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and areearnestly longing to have something to do for Him.When He was here on earth He took the little childrenin His own arms and blessed them. He cares for themstill, and looks down on them with compassionate love,but He looks to His people to comfort them.It was because there were so many poor little childrento be comforted that The Birds' Nest was opened; and itwas because so many dear children in happy homes wantedto help, that we formed what we call the CHILDREN'SASSOcIATION, to the members of which this little book isdedicated.An account of the Association and its work will befound farther on. The children have done much, but notyet half what is needed, for the daily expenditure of suchan institution as THE BIRD'S NEST. In this great workthere is room enough for all, and we would earnestly callupon all those into whose hands this book may fall, tocome forward and help. We know there are many callsupon the purse of charity, but amongst the many claimingthe sympathies of those whom God has made stewards ofHis bounty, homes for the destitute must evertake a highplace. And why? Because our Father in heaven com-forts His dying people with the sweet promise, "Leavethy fatherless children, and I will preserve them alive;

INTRODUCTORY. IIand let thy widows trust in ME."-Because the only-begotten Son, in His wondrous life on earth, left us anexample that we should love little children.-Becausewhen in His risen body He talked with His disciples, andwould have from Peter a proof of constant love, He said,"Feed my lambs." Now He is gone, and we are left tofollow out the path He traced; and as alone, or in com-panies, His servants tread that path, He looks down withkindly eye and sympathizing heart. Oh let us never for-get that we are working for Him who took a little childand set him by Him,-that we have a smile from Himwho said, "Suffer little children to come unto ME."Oh, then-"Aim to be like Jesus; walk with God,Look up to learn your heavenly Father's will-Look round the earth on which your Saviour trod-And when you find a child of sorrow, ill,Forlorn and helpless, toiling up the hill,Be thou a loving angel, and thy face,In tending it, shall shine as angels' do;As shine those sons of light in that high place,Hid for a little while from mortal view,Where, if you follow Christ, you'll be an angel too."The Birds' Nest shelters one hundred and ninety ofthese "forlorn and helpless" ones. They have beentaken out from the wide world, and brought together, not

12 INTRODUCTORY.without many fears that funds might not come in for theirsupport. But the cases were so pressing that one afteranother the Committee could not refuse; and they feltthat He who caused twelve baskets of fragments toremain after the multitude had fed on five barley loaves,would also cause a blessing to rest on the "basket andstore" of The Birds' Nest, if only the children werereceived in His name.So the poor little friendless ones have found a home onearth, where they are being trained for a HOME inglory-"A home so happy and so bright,-A home of rest above-Where, clothed in raiment pure and white,In that sweet home of love,No more a ragged orphan wild,But dressed in white array,Our God shall own the homeless child,And wipe its tears away."

INTRODUCTORY. 13" Is there a thing beneath the skiesO'er which the gentle Saviour yearns,Which finds such favour in His eyes,Whose tearful cry He never spurns ?It is that little thing so wild,A podr, neglected, lonely child.Oh teach that little one to singThe numbers tuneful, soft and clear,Hosanna to the Shepherd bring,Such as that Shepherd loves to hear-Such as He heard when meek He rodeTo Salem, His ordain'd abode.Such as His gracious ear againShall welcome from young hearts set free,Whom THOU hast rescued from the chainOf sin and woe; hast taught to fleeTo Him who left yon heavenly landTo take a wanderer by the hand."6,

CHAPTER II.HOW WE BEGAN."T was in the month of July, 1859, four ladieswere sitting together in a small room in one ofthe back streets of Dublin. They were metto arrange the weekly business of a Home for DestituteGirls, and to see those who wished for admission.There were many came that day seeking a shelter,girls who had no place to call "home," who had slept,some of them, for many a night, in the damp air,crouched in some doorway, or perhaps an open shed;and as many as they could those ladies received in thename of Jesus.But amongst the applicants came a woman bringinga little girl three years of age. She had been desertedby her mother a year before, and this woman, poor as shewas, had taken her to her heart and home; but nowworse poverty had come upon her, she could keep thelittle one no longer. It was not the first time such littleones had come there. Once two little ones came hand-

HOW WE BEGAN. 15in-hand, their poor little bodies scarcely covered withwretched rags, their hair tangled, their faces unwashed;and as they stood together they looked round with awondering, half-frightened air; and their faces, whichought to have been bright with smiles and fun, weremarked by a serious, careworn look, very sad to see in suchlittle things. Their mother was dead, and their fatherwas gone, and they had no home and no food but thebreakfast they got in the Ragged School. But these two,and many others, had been sent away because the Homewas for great girls; there was no room for little ones.But now the sad case of the little child touched the heartof one of the ladies very deeply; and Jesus, who longs tohave the little ones come to Him, put into her heart athought:-"We must have a Home for the poor littleones," she said. "There are many children to whomGod has given plenteously, and they will gather themoney to feed them, and so the rich and the poor amongstthe lambs of the fold will be united together, and Godwill be glorified." The woman was told to call again,and something should be done.That day the ladies sat long together, and they askedGod's blessing on the work of their hands. Before theyseparated, the youngest among them, the one into whoseheart the thought came, had determined that she would

16 HOW WE BEGAN.be responsible for the new "Home:" " It shall be in thecountry," she said; "and we will call it 'THE BIRDS'NEST.'"The first thing this good lady did was to write anarticle in the little magazine called " Erin's Hope," tellingof the new idea, and asking children to help; and then aCommittee of four ladies was formed.It was some little time before a suitable house could befound, but at last one was discovered up a little countryroad near Kingstown. It belonged to a kind gentleman,who, when he knew what it was wanted for, charged avery low rent. It was just the thing for a nest of birdies,snug and small,and having roses climbingup the smallporch.The house wanted some repairs, and the introductionof gas pipes, before it would be ready to be inhabited; buthowever, by the end of September all was finished, andthe ladies assembled in the new Nest. The first thingthey did was to kneel down to thank God that He had so,far helped them, and to pray that a great blessing mightrest upon that Home, and that it might be a nursery forheaven. Then they chose a nice motherly woman for amatron, and the little child was brought in and adopted asthe first nestling; then came another girl, a little older,and a boy and girl, (brother and sister;) thus we had fourto begin with; and very happy they were in their Home.

HOW WE BEGAN. 17We could not afford to buy bedsteads, but every childhad a little sack, filled with straw, laid on the floor, witha pair of sheets and blankets; and as we admitted morechildren into the Nest, the number of these little bedsincreased, till at last they were so thickly laid, side by side,that it was with difficulty we could step about the rooms;there were forty children.Week after week the Committee of The Birds' Nestmet; and week after week they met with two great diffi-culties : one was that money did not come in as fast as itwas wanted; but for this there was a remedy,-prayer andwork. The other difficulty was, how to refuse the mul-titude of poor. children who pressed for admission; it wasso very hard to turn them away, and think that they mustcontinue to wander the streets, faint and weary; and theladies prayed very much for guidance. They felt as ifGod was'saying to them, " Take these children and nursethem for Mes I will give you money." And so they de-termined that as soon as possible they would build a Homewhich would hold one hundred and fifty, and they wouldwrite down in a book the cases of the children who wereleft without, that as soon as there was room they might allbe taken in.The little children who had found a home in The Birds'Nest were very busy, and very happy. They rose earlyB

Is HOW WE BEGAN.in the morning, and dressed and washed themselves.Then there were beds to make, and rooms to sweep;after which they assembled in a long room at the back ofthe house for prayer. After comfortable warm breakfastsof cocoa and bread, hats and bonnets were brought out,and the little party set off, two-and-two, followed by theirkind matron, to the Mission School; and in many a home,as they passed, kind voices said, "Here come the children,"and kind faces looked out upon them and blessed them;and the clatter of forty pairs of wooden clogs was aconstant reminder to collectors to be up and doing.But the clatter of the clogs was heard by enemiestoo. There were some who were angry because thechildren were taken by Protestants, and taught the Bible.They would break up The Nest if they could; andmany a scheme was laid for the purpose.The children knew they had enemies, and that theywere always in danger; but they knew God as theirFather, they knew they were safe. only under Hisprotection, and so they learned to trust in Him. Up inthe dormitories at night they met for prayer; and a fewtrees in the garden formed a tabernacle where these dearchildren often met with God. Frequently in the play-time the voice of mirth would be stopped, and youmight hear sweet children's voices joining in a hymn.

HOW WE BEGAN. 19And then the music would cease, and the voice of oneafter another might be heard in earnest prayer.About this time the children's friend who had deter-mined to have The Nest wrote a very nice hymn forthem, suited to their peculiar circumstances.She meant it to be sung to the tune of " Uncle Ned,"a negro melody. She always liked lively tunes for thechildren, because the very little ones could learnthem:-"I saw in a valley a happy little flock,They lie in a pleasant fold,The Shepherd who owns them is kind and good,He loves them with love untold.Come all ye who hear, who hear,Come, and never fear:There's room for all,And the Shepherd doth call,Oh, come, and be happy here.Those sheep were lost and wandering once,And the wolf went about to destroy;But the Shepherd sought them through wood, waste, and hill,And brought them here with joy.Come all,.&amp;c.He made them a fold under green, green trees,Which healing leaves do bear,Close by the stream of the water of life,And He leads His saved ones there.Come all, &amp;c.

20 HOW WE BEGAN.The Shepherd saved those lost wandering sheep,For He fought with their cruel foe;And in His blood, then shed for them,He washed them as white as snow.Come all, &amp;c.And He will take them one happy, happy day,To a fairer, lovelier home,Across the mountains, far, far away,Where the wolf no more can roam.Come all, &amp;c.Come young and old to this happy Gospel fold,To this tender Shepherd's care,For none can go to that lovely distant home,Till His saving grace they share.Come all ye who hear, who hear,Come, and never fear:There's room for all,And the Shepherd doth call,Oh, come, and be happy here."

CHAPTER III.DARK CLOUDS.OT quite one year from the opening of The Birds'Nest a great sorrow fell upon us, in the deathof the beloved and loving one who had gatheredthe children, and called their home The Birds' Nest.Brightly and beautifully had her light shone on earth,and all too soon for us who were left-behind was shecalled away; but we tried to say, "Thy will be done."The children of The Birds' Nest were not the onlyrescued ones who mourned her loss. When her deathwas announced, the Ragged School was a place ofweeping. She was a daughter of the late ArchbishopWhately, and though lately married, died at her father'shouse. Some time before her death she had expressed awish that her funeral might have none of the usual pompabout it, but that her dear poor people might be hermourners. When she was gone her father rememberedher wish. A plain hearse left the palace door, with justtwo mourning carriages; but on the way to the family

22 DARK CLOUDS.burying-place, four miles out of town, the processionincreased. There were the Scripture Readers and teachersof the Irish Church Mission Society, a sorrowing troop ofboys and girls from the schools, and a group of mothers,with their babies in their arms, who had formed her SundaySchool class. These and many others joined the train,and filled the church. Then all assembled round thegrave and listened to a solemn address by the Missionary,and as well as they could for tears, they all sang,-"Shall we ever all meet again?-Yes, we may all meet again,If not on earth, in heaven we may all meet again.Shall we ever all wear a crown?-Yes, we may all wear a crown,If not on earth, in heaven we may all wear a crown.Tears shall be all wiped away,If not on earth, in heaven tears shall be all wiped away."It was a solemn scene; and many a heart too sorrowful tojoin in the singing was raised in prayer, that the spirit oflove, so richly given to the departed one, might fall onothers, that the destitute ones might not be forgotten; andso it came to pass that many hearts were stirred up, andit was determined that the new building to be erected forThe Birds' Nest should be a monument to the memory ofMrs. George Wale.

DARK CLOUDS. 23" COME let us join our friends aboveWho have obtained the prize,And on the eagle wings of loveTo joys celestial rise.Let all the saints terrestrial singWith those to glory gone;For all the servants of our King,In earth and heaven, are one.One family we dwell in Him,One Church above, beneath,Though now divided by the stream,The narrow stream of death.One army of the living God,At His command we bow;Part of His host have crossed the flood,And part are crossing now.Our spirits, too, shall quickly join,Like theirs with glory crown'd,And shout to see our Captain's sign,To hear His trumpet sound.Lord Jesus, be our constant guide,And when the word is given,Bid death's cold flood its waves divide,And land us-safe in heaven."

CHAPTER IV.GOD'S CARE." He maketh the storm a calm."E have spoken of the enemies of these dear chil-dren; we had often thought that some attackmight be made upon them, but for seven monthsthey were allowed to come and go unmolested, and webegan to think it would always be so, and perhaps wewere forgetting who it is that sends the peace and quiet-ness, and so trial came.On Sunday night, May the 6th, about half-past eight,when the little children were just going to bed, a rattlingsound was heard on the roof, then another, then another,and then a window was broken by the blow of a largestone.The stones seemed to be coming from the front,and so the matron gathered the children together in theback. They were very much frightened, but they knewGod could defend them, and they knelt in prayer. The

GOD'S CARE. 25pelting of stones continued two whole hours, and in themorning was renewed; but not a child was hurt.On Tuesday evening, as the children were sitting attheir supper in the back room, a large stone came inat the window, just grazed the ear of one child, andpassed close to the mistress's head as she was stoopingdown. It was very remarkable that the little ones whousually sat along that window had been put to bed anhour before their usual time. Had they been thereone, at least, must have been killed. See how Godwatches over His children, and guides them even insmall things! On Wednesday four extra police weresent to guard the house,-two in front, and two at theback. The pelting ceased, and it was never discoveredwho threw the stones; but when ladders were got toclear the roof, thirty-two stones were found, some fiveand a-half pounds weight! It was very wonderful thatno little child was hurt. No, not wonderful! Doesnot Jesus say, "The very hairs of your head areall numbered ? "A few days after this storm I was at The Birds' Nest,and talking to the children about it, I said, " But howis it no one was hurt?" They all looked very serious,and one little girl said, "Sure, ma'am, it was the Lordtook care of us!"

26 GOD'S CARE.Ah! the little children of The Birds' Nest have learnedhow strong God is, and they rely upon the promisewritten in the gist Psalm, " He shall cover thee with Hisfeathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust."

GOD'S CARE. 27FEAR NOT."YEA, fear not--fear not, little ones;There is in heaven an eyeThat looks with yearning fondness downOn every path you try.'Tis He who guides the sparrow's wing,And guards her little brood;Who hears the ravens when they cry,And fills them all with food.'Tis He who clothes the fields with flowers,And pours the light abroadj'Tis He who numbers all your hours,Your Father and your God.Ye are the chosen of His love,His most peculiar care;And will He guide the fluttering dove,And not regard your prayer?Nay, fear not-fear not, little ones;There is in heaven an eyeThat looks with yearning fondness downOn all the paths you try.He'll keep you when the storm is wild,And when the flood is near;Oh, trust Him, trust Him, little child,And you have nought to fear."

CHAPTER V.GOING FORWARD." The Lord shall increase you more and more, you, and your children."S mentioned in an earlier chapter, we had deter-mined to build a new Nest for our Birdies-but we found it very difficult to get a suitablepiece of ground, so we took a larger house, and in a veryshort time our numbers rose to sixty-four.The new comers easily fell into the orderly ways ofthose who had been trained to good habits, and so therewas little difficulty; and as time went on we were inducedto increase the number to eighty-one. In every availablespot of the house were the little beds laid down, and theassembly at meals was a goodly sight to behold. Downthe centre of the room was a long table, occupied by theelder boys and girls, and round by the walls were highforms for tables, and low forms for seats, for the little ones,and yet there was the greatest order amongst them; and

GOING FORWARD. 29as they, with clasped hands, stood to sing their grace, andthen quietly ate their food, you would have supposed thatthey had been carefully taught, even from their baby-hood.Still we had many difficulties in this crowded house; nobaths, no convenience at all for washing either the childrenor their clothes, a few tubs in the yard being all we couldmanage; and we were very anxious that a new buildingshould be commenced as soon as possible.In April, 1861, a piece of ground was procured. It wasa green field nearly opposite the house the children occupied.Just then the Rev. Alexander Dallas,* who has been soblessed by God in the conversion of Roman Catholics,was coming over from England, and we asked him to laythe foundation-stone; he gladly consented.The day appointed was the I th of April. It was amost lovely day, and the friends who went down to Kings-town from Dublin almost filled a train. When we arrivedwe walked up first to the old Nest, where the childrenwere all assembled, dressed in their new summer livery.When Mr. Dallas came into the playground they allgathered round him and sang a welcome. He spoke a few* This beloved and useful servant of God entered into his rest Dec. 12,1869. His loss is deeply felt throughout the whole of our country. Of himit may truly be said, "He loved our nation."Be;'

30 GOING FORWARD.words to them; after which all formed into a procession,and walked down the road to the ground selected for thenew building.The children took their places around the stone, andthen all the other people stood around. The rector of theparish offered up a prayer for God's blessing, and then thestone was put down. Some nice speeches were made,and then the children gathered into a group and sangmany beautiful hymns, their voices blending so sweetlytogether. We all felt full of joy and thankfulness, andjoined in heart and feeling in the children's chorus, "Allglory to Jesus."SAfter this the building committee worked in earnest.I could not tell you how often the poor little Birdieslooked out at their new " Nest," as stone after stone waslaid, and the walls rose, and the window-places were left,and then the roof was put on. And then the carpenterscame, and doors were put in, and windows were made;and then the iron railings were put up in front, and thegates in their places. How they wondered what it wouldall be like inside!At last April came, and Mr. Dallas was coming over;and though all the inside things were not ready, still theschool-rooms were finished, and we determined to havean opening day on the Ioth of April, exactly a year from

GOING FORWARD. 31the time when we all stood in the green field, and thefirst stone was put down.I must explain the plan of the building, or I fearyou will not exactly understand all I shall have to tellyou. It is an oblong building, with a door at each end;one has "Boys" written over it, the other "Girls."This is to suit the day-s-hools. You remember that,at first, the Birds' Nest children went to the MissionSchool'; now the Mission School was to come to theBirds' Nest.The large space between each entrance is divided intotwo rooms; the one on the boys' end is the infants'school-room; the other is the feeding-room. In thislatter are six deal tables, some of them very low, withsmall low forms for the little children; others are higher,for those who have longer legs.Over these two rooms are two others, separated byfolding doors. One is the boys' school-room, the otherthe girls'. Over these again are two large sleeping-rooms.At the end you will see there are several smallerrooms. On the girls' end there is first the kitchen, thentwo rooms for the matron, two for the teachers, and one,reaching from back to front, which is intended for anychildren who may not be quite well.

32 GOING FORWARD.At the other end are apartments for the master, andabove, sleeping-rooms for the boys.On the day of opening the folding-doors were opened,and the two large school-rooms formed one very largeroom, which was beautifully decorated with green leavesand paper flowers.These, with the new school pictures and mapshanging upon the wall, gave it quite a bright, livelyappearance; and when the bright spring sun shone in atthe windows, our hearts quite danced with joy. On oneof the sides, half-way down the room, was a sort ofplatform, on which the gentlemen who were to speakmight stand.At two o'clock the children were all assembled inthe yard of the old house, each neatly dressed. Thegirls had new straw bonnets, which had just been givento them by two kind friends. When Mr. Dallasappeared they set up a great shout, and then sang awelcome. Afterwards all formed into a procession,headed by Mr. Dallas with the very smallest child by thehand. So they walked through the house and across theroad, and up the stairs of the new Nest, the wonder andcuriosity of the children increasing more and more.The large room was so full of people, who had come tothe opening, that it was not very easy for the children to

GOING FORWARD. 33get in in an orderly manner; but people got out of theway, and before long the regiment of children in blue andwhite was nicely settled upon a temporary gallery whichhad been provided for them.As we looked round upon that large meeting, our heartswere very full of gratitude to God that so many poorchildren had been brought together to learn of Jesus, andthankfulness that so many friends had been raised up toprovide what was needful for those children; so we couldsing with all our hearts,"Crown Him Lord of all."Then there was an earnest prayer to God, that Hewould continue to pour His blessing on the Institution,that every child coming in might be made indeed a childof God, and that the means might be raised, not only tofeed and clothe the children, but also to pay for the nicenew Home.Then there were other speeches made, and hymns sungby the children. It was a very happy meeting.And now that the Nest was opened, we were veryanxious that the workmen should make as much haste aspossible, and get out, so that the children might comein. The Matron's rooms were finished first, and she camein to get all into order. There were new bedsteads to bec

34 GOING FORWARD.got, new little beds to be filled with straw, and sheetsand blankets to be prepared; and every day the elder girlscame over to help to hem and stitch.In about a fortnight the moving day came, and manylittle hands carried over bundle after bundle; and therewas such excitement, such rushing over the house to seeall the rooms, such peering into presses, as only childrenwho have ever moved into a new house can understand.It was not very easy to reduce all to order, as you mayimagine. The new house required new plans, and newwork; and the workmen kept themselves a very long timeabout, doing little finishings. Just as we thought theywere quite ready to go, a terrible misfortune happened-the well ran dry! and there was no water for that greathouse and its inmates. Many schemes were thought of,for water must be had. The only thing that could be donewas to dig a very deep well. At last water was found,but we were obliged to have a steam-pump to get it up.You cannot think what a time of trouble we had of itall the long weeks when there was no water; we neverbefore felt the comfort of the last part of the promise,"Bread shall be given, and water shall be sure." Duringthat time we were glad when we heard the driving rain,for we knew the cisterns were filling, and for a time thewant would be supplied.

GOING FORWARD. 35But the pump was soon set up, and all was put inorder.I only wish all the readers of this book could now visitThe Birds' Nest; I think they would all agree in thinkingit the very happiest home for poor children they ever saw;and a noble monument to the memory of her who firstthought of having a Birds' Nest, and of her dear mother,the late Mrs. Whately, who, while the building was beingerected, left her earthly labours to enter her heavenlyrest. Mother and daughter had been united in works ofself-denying love in their lives: it was fitting that theirnames should be associated in so appropriate a memorial.HYMN SUNG AT THE OPENING OF THE BIRDS' NEST." THERE is a better world they say,Oh! so bright!Where sin and death are done away,Oh! so bright!There music fills the balmy air,And angels with bright wings are there,And harps of gold, and mansions fair,Oh! so bright!No clouds e'er pass along its sky,Happy land!No teardrops glisten in the eye,Happy land

36 GOING FORWARD.They drink the gushing streams of grace,They gaze upon the Saviour's face,Whose glory fills the holy place,Happy land!And wicked things and beasts of preyCome not there!And ruthless death and fierce decayCome not there!There all are holy, all are good;But hearts unwashed in Jesus' blood,And guilty sinners unrenewed,Come not there!But though we're sinners every one,Jesus died!And though our crown of peace is gone,Jesus died!We may be cleansed from every stain,May all be clothed with peace again,And in that land of pleasure reign,Jesus died!This world is oft so dark and drear,Take us there!We ne'er can be so happy here,Take us there!Oh! listen to that music sweet,It comes so rich from yonder seat,Where all the saints in glory meet,Take us there!"-4SS^^&amp;y,

CHAPTER VI.THE BIRDS IN THE NEST."And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them,and blessed them."OME people think "THE BIRDS' NEST" a veryodd sort of name for an institution; but most ofour friends like it very much indeed. I think itcharming; and I know a great many of our childrenhelpers agree with me. In this chapter I want to tellsomething about the sort of children who are taken intothe Nest. It is very difficult to classify them, but I willtell the cases of some of them, and that will give an idea.The more destitute a child is, the more glad we are toreceive it, and bring it up for Jesus. Let us fancy weare at the Nest, and looking at the children. Here is alittle boy I always call Billy, but I think his real name isJohnny. When he came to me to be made ready forthe Nest he was the most miserable creature I ever saw.He was thought to' be seven years old; and the day I

38 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.expected him I had prepared clothes which I thoughtwould have fitted him. But he came-a miserable littleobject, about the size of a child of three-a poor, wornface; his front teeth gone; his dress-how shall I describeit ? There was a ragged sort of cape over the shoulders,and then a piece of old calico sewed round his body, soinlaid with dirt that it was almost impossible to touch it.But we took a pair of scissors, and cut the stitches. Iam sure this must have been around him at least a year.He cried bitterly when it was taken off; but when first aclean little shirt, and then a warm petticoat, and then along-sleeved frock were put upon him, he laughed forjoy, and stroked his frock down with his poor little hand."Nice, nice!" he said; and soon he was in the Birds'Nest, and had a snug, warm bed to sleep in, and plentyof food. We had a great deal of trouble with this littleboy. He had been so starved that it was difficult to gethim into anything like health; but he is quite strong now,and is learning to read and write nicely.About three years ago a Scripture Reader visited a veryold and very poor woman. He found she had four grand-children to support, who had been deserted years beforeby father and mother.They were all Roman Catholics, and utterly ignorant;and besides, they were almost naked, and quite starving.

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If-THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 39The Reader told the grandmother of a ragged school thatwas quite near, and asked her to send the children in timefor breakfast the next day. They went, and soon becamegreatly in love with the school, and the nice things theylearned there.But one day they were missed by the teachers. Anotherday, and another day, and they did not come. Then theReader went to visit them, and he found the four childrenweeping over the dead body of their grandmother. Theyhad now no relative to care for them; but their sad casewas made known, and the two elder boys were taken intothe RAGGED BOYS' HOME, and the two little ones founda happy home in the Birds' Nest. And so they are allunder the tender care of the Good Shepherd, who watchesover His little lambs, and causes His people to go afterthem, and find them, and bring them to His fold.How many of our dear children I could shew you whohave no friends but those belonging to the Nest! Hereis one-a dear, loving little girl. She was brought by apoor woman who had taken care of her as long as shecould. When I first looked at the child I thought shemust be an idiot, and I took her down stairs at our ownhouse, and asked the cook, a kind motherly woman, tokeep her for a few hours, and try to make her talk. Inthe evening she said,. "The poor child has plenty of

40 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.sense, but it was want of food made her look stupid."So it was. She is now one of our pleasantest and mostuseful children.One time, when forty-five of the children had measles,one was dangerously ill. I asked her, Had she any friendsI could write to? " I haven't got none," she said; "onlyMrs. S-." "And where did she get you?" I asked.-" In the ragged school."This dear girl got quite well. She is now in service,and saves a tenth of her small earnings to give to the.Birds' Nest.Another dear girl, now a useful servant, came to us apoor little wanderer, so starved. We put her in a tub ofwarm water and washed her, and then cut her hair, anddressed her. She had not been long in the Nest beforeher cheeks grew round, and her eyes bright, and shecould laugh with the merriest.Just a few weeks ago we took in two bright, black-eyedboys. I will tell their story.One day last winter a poor labouring man, the fatherof four children, fell from a ladder and was seriously hurt;he was carried to an hospital, and attended with care andskill. The poor wife went to see him, and her grief wasgreat to see him suffer so; and when she went home, thelittle children gathered around her to hear all about it.

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 41As she looked at them, and gathered them to her arms,her grief burst out afresh. " How shall I feed them ?"she thought.And day by day this question returned, for it must beanswered. And every day some of their little possessionswere sorrowfully taken to the pawn-shop, and a scantsupply of money brought home to buy bread.At last, one morning, the poor mother looked aroundupon an empty room. Little Johnny saw her trouble;he did not ask for food, but went out into the street.Cold and hungry, he sat down on a door-step, resting hishead on his hand. As he sat a bright little boy passed;he noticed the weary look, and he turned round. "Whatis the matter?" he asked. The sad tale was soon told."Come with me," said the little fellow; "I'm going toa school where we get a good hot breakfast, if we are intime-come along, you '11 be welcome." And Johnnywent to Townsend Street. At three o'clock some ofthe boys got a little more food; Johnny stayed with them.It was with a very different face from that of themorning that Johnny entered his home. " Mother,mother!" said he, "I 've found kind people. I've beento a boys' school, and gotf ood to eat. And, mother,there's another school close to it for little ones. Mother,mayn't I take the children to-morrow ?"

42 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.And the mother consented. And when the childrenwere all away, she went out to look for work. Whenthey all came back in the evening there was news to tell;for the little ones had greatly enjoyed the lessons, and thehymns, and the nice dinner Mrs. R- provides for thehungry ones every day, from October to April.And day by day things improved in that poor home.And when the father came out of hospital, he had to hearthe whole story; and the children sang some hymns forhim, and repeated their texts; and the poor man said, "Iwish I could go to that school too." "So you can,"said Johnny. "On Sunday I saw men as big as you,father, and older, sitting in classes, and learning theirverses just like the children."And the father went with Johnny, and he liked whathe learned so much that he never misses a Sunday now,-always in his place. But he is so crippled that hecannot work enough to support all four, and Johnnyand his little brother have found a home in the Birds'Nest.Amongst our very little girls there are some who havesuffered much; one little girl left utterly alone, her motherhaving been taken to prison. The poor child wanderedabout, no one caring for her, until a poor woman, whosechildren attended a Ragged School, had compassion upon

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 43her, and took her in until she could get a place for herin the Birds' Nest.Another bright, merry child came to the Nest in a sadstate. Her mother was a widow, nearly blind, who triedto support her children by selling little things in a basket.A lady who knew her deep distress got admission forlittle Louise; but when she brought her, it was foundthat the child's head was dreadfully sore. Miss C- ,who happened to be at the Nest at the time, hesitatedabout receiving her, because of the other children; butour good matron could not bear to turn one away. "Iwill cure it," she said; "do take her in:" and her requestwas granted.Here are two little girls, of seven and eight years old,standing hand-in-hand; they love each other very much,and they look up as if they were used to being loved.They never were very miserable. Their mother was ahappy Christian, one who managed her large family well,and made her husband's small earnings go as far as possi-ble; but last year she died, and the older ones being boys,there was none to care for Margery and Louise; and thefather's health and earnings failed, so the little girls wereadmitted to The Birds' Nest. They are pleasant, happychildren, and dearly love the good matron.There, in the play-ground, are two little boys, each

44 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.holding the hand of a little one between them; they seemvery happy together. The two elder have been in theNest some time; the younger has just come. Theirmother, too, was a Christian. Their father had desertedthem long ago, and the mother worked for their supportas long as she could. At last she was attacked by anincurable disease, and obliged to put her children in thepoorhouse and go to hospital. Her sufferings were verygreat, but the thoughts of her dear little boys, surroundedby the influences of the most depraved of characters, wasworse. She could only lay the burden on Jesus. Atlength some of the lady visitors heard about these children,and they applied to our Committee; and first the twolittle fellows were got out of the poorhouse, then thethird, and there are not three happier children in the Nest.The mother is dead now, but her boys have found a home.Two other children lately admitted had a Christianmother. Years ago she came, a poor, dark Roman Catho-lic, to the Townsend Street Sunday School. She likedwhat she learned, and she came again and again. One byone every false hope was given up, and at last she wasenabled to lay her sins on Jesus, and trust only in Him.Her little children were regular attendants at the LukeStreet Infants' School. A few months ago this poorwoman had to go to the Hospital for Incurables, where she

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 45died a most happy death. Her teacher got admission forthe two little children into the Nest. " Leave thy father-less children," Jesus says, "I will preserve them." It isHe who takes them up and blesses them; but it is byhuman hands, yours and mine, little children;-wE takethem, and nurse them for Him.Here are three children I must tell you about, a girland two boys. Their history is a very sad and strangeone. They were of a respectable class in life, and theirfather ought to have earned plenty of money for theirsupport; but he was a drunkard. That fearful curse offamilies, drink, had taken his senses away, and his lovefor his wife and children was turned to hatred. Afterpersecuting them in many ways, he at last went so far asto take the three children, and go away altogether fromhis poor wife. Night came, and they did not return, andthe poor mother mourned alone. Months passed away;she earned a livelihood by needlework, but tears so oftendimmed her eyes, that she could get but little. One dayshe received an anonymous letter, saying that the writerhad seen the three children in the County Wicklow.The poor mother set off to the place named, and aftersome difficulty, she got her three dear ones, and broughtthem to her poor home. She found from the childrenthat a priest had taken them, and she was so angry that

46 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.she determined never to go to chapel again. In this stateshe was visited by the Town Missionaries, and they toldher of One who cared for her in all her poverty and trials-one who, if she trusted in Him, would never leave norforsake her. They gave her a Bible, which she promisedto read. After this she was visited by priests and nuns,who promised her all sorts of things if she would returnand give up her children. She refused everything; butwork grew more scanty, and she found it hard to feed somany. Happily for the children, they got a good break-fast every morning in the Luke Street Ragged School, andsometimes a piece of bread before they went home. Oneday the priest visited the mother, and found her readingthe Bible; he snatched it from her, and threw it into thefire. She rescued it. Her trials were very great and varied;she could not stand against them; and her poor room waswithout furniture,-an old box served for a table, and thebed was a little straw in a corner of the room. It wasvery hard for those who had seen better days. TheMissionaries made known the case, and admission wasobtained for the children into the Nest, and a light situa-tion found for the mother. Nothing has been heard of thefather for many months. We hope these dear childrenwill be left with us. They are nice, clean, well-manneredlittle things, and very fond of each other.

STHE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 47Another group of three are the children of a poorworking man, who lately fell off a cart, and was so injuredthat he will never be able to work again; he has been setup in a little business, selling matches, and laces, and suchthings. And the children are getting on finely in theNEST. The father has been a convert for many years,and, we believe, a real Christian.Now let us peep into the nursery. How nice it looks!The fire burns brightly; the cradle stands beside it, witha new pair of twin-dolls; and the little rocking-chair isnear. Sitting in it is a little girl, looking tenderly at adolly which seems a great treasure; its eyes will shut andopen, and it is neatly and carefully dressed. It is littleKate H-. The doll was given to her, with a beautifulset of tea-things, on the Christmas-tree day, by some kindlittle girls who have adopted her. Katie was such a poorforlorn child when she came, that it was very hard tomake her smile, and even now the head bends down alittle too much; but there is a very sweet smile on theface when you can see it.Another little child has in the course of nine monthsbecome so changed in appearance one would hardlyrecognise her. The first time I saw her was at our out-door fete. The children were playing about in kindMrs. Harrison's lawn, but one little thing was seated all

48 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.alone on the grass, looking so thin and miserable. Isat down beside her, and noticed that she had a badcough."What s your name?" I asked."Mary," she said, without looking up."You are a new child; when did you come ?""Last week."" You have a bad cough-are you ill ?""I think I am; I'm very miserable.""But you will soon be happy-all the children arehappy.""I never was happy in my life.""Have you a father ?""No, he's gone, and my stepmother is unkind to me.Nobody ever loved me.""Poor child, Jesus loves you.""I don't think He does.""I love you." She looked up with a questioning gaze."Do you know who I am?" I asked.-"No." WhenI told her, a beaming smile lighted up her face. "All thechildren love you," she said; " I'11 love you too."Here I must tell you that the love of "all the children"comes to me because I am the representative of all themembers of the Children's Association, and their gifts andlove come through me. I try to send out all the love

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 49through the little books; but that does not make my ownshare any the less-"For we must share, if we would keepThat good thing from above;Ceasing to give, we cease to have;Such is the law of love."Of Eddy B- I must tell the whole story. He wasa dear little fellow, too young for the Nest, but his fatherdied in the hospital, a believer in Jesus; his only care wasfor his children; they had a very bad mother. A Christianfriend promised they should be cared for, and the poorman died satisfied.The little girl was taken into the Nest, but Eddy wastoo young, only a baby. We put him to be nursed by akind old woman. As soon as the mother saw him welldressed she took him away, sold his clothes, and after alittle while went with him into the poorhouse. Someyears passed away, when one day a Scripture Reader metthe woman begging with the child. She said she had beenthree weeks without a place to lie down at night. Shesaid she was very sorry for her conduct, and if we wouldtake the boy she would get work. For the sake of thepromise to the dying father, we took Eddy; and a littlegirl in the South of England adopted him. Some monthspassed away,-happy months for Eddy,-and then hisD

50 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.mother took him again, dressed him in miserable clothes,and went out to beg. His friend was greatly distressed,and she prayed very earnestly for her lost nestling. Oftenshe wrote for news. I wanted her to take another child,but she would not " give up Eddy." She said, "I'll prayON;" and in October the mother again brought the child,saying, if he might be in the Nest with his sister, shewould never take him away again. And so little Eddyonce more had his rags exchanged for Nest clothing, andhe is safe and happy.Amongst our children is a ,blue-eyed, fair-haired boy,of seven years of age. His father, a most respectableworkman, died some three .years ago, leaving the poormother with three children, one a little baby. She hadno means of support, and gradually all her little possessionswere sold to buy food. Her relations would do nothingfor her, because she attended the Mission Church, andwas trying to bring up her little ones in the Protestantfaith, she being a convert. Application was made to getthe boy into the Nest, but he was too young. We paidthe rent of a room for the poor woman, and gave herneedlework, but her baby hindered her working, and shebecame the picture of misery. In March she wrote:-" I am very thankful for what you do for me, but it isutterly useless. It is very hard to be utterly destitute, in

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 51the four walls of a back garret, without furniture, friends,or any earthly comfort but my little ones. My brothergives me till the 9th to consider whether I will give upmy boy to go to the convent, or give up the friendship ofall belonging to me. I am really bewildered. Please,madam, do not look on me as an imposter."The case was so urgent that the little boy, though onlyjust past six, was taken and put to lodgings for a fewmonths. The mother got a good situation as nurse, andis able to pay for her other two children at nurse. AtChristmas her mistress allowed her to have her boy for afew days' visit. And if you had seen her coming into theMission Church, looking like a model nurse, with her boyby the hand, you would have thanked God for such aninstitution as the Birds' Nest.Late one evening there came a note, written on an oldleaf of a book, begging for a little relief for a sick childwho attended one of the Mission Schools. I sent ashilling, and the next day went to the home of the poorchild. It was a very small room at the top of a poorhouse, a bedstead and a chair the only furniture. An oldwoman sat near the fire with a child on her knee veryill. Another little one stood beside her. When Ientered, the little one looked up with a smile of wel-come, and I knew her and the sick one as little children

52 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.regular attendants at the school, but always so neatlydressed that we had never guessed their poverty. Itwas the little one who had brought the note the nightbefore. " Oh, ma'am," said the old woman, "I neverbegged before; but the children said the Lord would helpus. I had not a bit of fire or food; and what was worse,not a bit of candle to watch my poor child through thenight. I could not face a night of darkness." The childhad had fever, and was just beginning to recover; all shewanted was nourishment and comfort, which we wereable to provide.They had been very respectable people; the father, agood workman, earning large wages; but he died suddenly,leaving 20 which he had saved for his wife, mother-in-law, and children. They were induced to go to Man-chester and set up a lodging-house, which at first suc-ceeded; but the cotton famine came, and they lost all theyhad. They returned to Dublin; the mother went toservice, where she earned 5 a-year, and 2s. 6d. a-weekto feed herself. This was all the support of the family-no wonder they suffered so much. We took the twochildren into the Nest, and the old woman went to thepoorhouse, where she soon after died. The mother is invery delicate health, but she is able to support herself, andcomes sometimes to see the little ones.

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 53We have two very nice boys now in the Nest, whowere some time ago removed to the Boys' Home, but,having been very delicate, have come back to be nursed.They are both, we believe, real Christians, setting abright example to all around. I find the history of oneof them in my notes. The family consisted of a fatherand mother and seven children. They were all RomanCatholics, and when first visited by the Scripture-readers,were in such a very destitute condition, that the childrenwere obliged to cover themselves with the straw thatformed their bed. One of these children was a brightlittle boy of nine years old. He was persuaded to attendthe Ragged School; we sent him a little pair of trousersto enable him to get out. Willy was delighted with allhe heard and learned, and when he went home at night,tried to teach his mother to repeat a text: she would notthen. But Willy was one of those boys who are noteasily discouraged, and, as his mother said, "he worrited"at her till she learned one; and then he tried his father.This was harder work, for being a violent man, he threwthings at the child's head; still Willy persevered. Andwhen he had learned to read, he would take his Bible, andread chapter after chapter aloud, that his parents might beinterested in the story. Soon mother and children wereall regular attendants at the Sunday School.

54 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.Poor Willy was very delicate, and it was plain that therewas not enough of food in their home for them all; for thefather earned very little, and often spent that little on drink;and so Willy and a sister found a home in the Birds' Nest.She is one of the gentlest of our girls. At Christmas shegot a prize marked for " ne ever ready to help." Sheis about thirteen years old, and Willy about twelve.Nearly two years ago a very nice girl, who had comefrom Connemara, left the Nest and went to service. Wehave now her two little sisters-such an original-lookingpair of children. Biddy is a thin, narrow-faced littlething, of perhaps eight years old, with straight black hairand black eyes. Maggie is, I should think, six-a littleround thing, with short, brown, curly hair and blue eyes.They love each other very much, and Maggie seems tothink that everybody means to be good to her. Both theselittle ones are adopted by friends.One day last year a poor woman, with four children,asked charity from a friend of ours. She said her husbandwas in India; she had come home with the children, andhad not heard from him since. A little help was givenfrom time to time, but it seemed of no use; they werestarving, as the mother was too weak to work. So thethree elder children were admitted into the Nest, and thenthe mother died, and then the baby.

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 55Twelve months afterwards a very respectable-lookingman came to the Birds' Nest inquiring for three children,answering to the description of these three. He said hiswife had come to Ireland with them, and he, not hearingfrom her, had given up his situation to look for her. Hehad traced her to Dublin, and then to the Birds' Nest,where he found his lost little ones. He was in greatdelight to find them so well taken care of, and beggedthat we would still take care of the motherless little ones.He would go to service, and save all he could to help topay for them. So Polly, and Conny, and Tommy remainin the happy home where they first found rest after theirtrials and wanderings.Another little child we have taken under like circum-stances. The father went to America some time ago.The mother was to follow as soon as the baby was a littleolder. She had a situation as servant, where she wasallowed to keep the baby; but the poor woman fell intoill-health and died. The lady did what she could for thechild, denying herself many comforts that it might be fedand clothed. Now she is very ill herself, and so we havetaken her little charge. And if the father ever is heardof again, he will be very glad to get his little girl safe. Ifnot, we trust she will meet him in the beautiful land,where

56 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST."Little children are never hungryAnd mothers are never sad;Where there's nothing to make them sorry,And plenty to make them glad."There is one wee child in the Nest who attracts every-body's attention. What do you think her name is ?-" JENNY ROBIN." Is not that a nice name for a birdie?She is very little, and has eyes as bright as the real robinsthat hop about in winter. Jenny has a mother who lovesher very much; but she has a little child younger thanJenny. She earns 8 a-year, and pays 4 to the nursewho takes care of him. With the rest she clothes herself.She was a Roman Catholic; and when I first saw her inher poor home she knew nothing of Jesus and His love.Now she is a real Christian, and is so thankful to haveJenny in the Nest.Two dear little girls came from the country to theNest quite lately. Their names are Mary and Nannie.Mary is ten years old; Nannie is eight. Their case wasso pressing that we were obliged to take both when therewas only a bed for one; so they both sleep together in one ofthe small beds. It was in December we heard about themfirst. Their father had gone away two or three years ago,and no one knew anything about him; but he had beenso unkind to his wife and five children that no one wished

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 57to find him. The mother worked very hard to supportthe children, and some kind friends subscribed a littlemoney to apprentice the eldest boy to a shoemaker. Heworked very well, and was learning his trade nicely, whenhe was taken ill of hip-disease. He was in hospital sometime, then sent home incurable. Such a home-only astable some one had given this poor woman rent-free! Itwas harder than ever for her now, and little Mary hadtried to help her by going on messages for the neighbours;and an old lady of seventy-seven undertook to teachNannie. (There was no Protestant school near.) Shesays, "I have an apt scholar; she spells and reads, learnsmultiplication-table, Scripture, and hymns." This kindlady also gave Nannie food every day. This was whatwe first heard of this poor family. Then came anotherletter, saying they had been told they must leave the stable,and then they would all be homeless. We wrote to saywe would take Mary and Nannie in as soon as possible.And when the dear friends at Southampton said theywould support them, we got them in at once. They areso grateful, and are already quite at home in the Birds'Nest.A great many of the children in the Birds' Nest havegot no fathers, and a great many have no mothers. Icould not give the history of them all. If I did, it would

58 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST.only be like the roll mentioned in Ezekiel, "full of lam-entations, and mourning, and woe." From what I havesaid, you can imagine something of their former misery.I like much better to tell of their present happiness, andto lead those who have been our helpers to thank Godthat He has made them the means of so much blessing,and encourage others who have not yet entered upon theservice of the Heavenly Master to join in this work forHim, that that may be a very large company to whomHe will one day say, "Inasmuch as ye have done it untoone of the least of these my brethren, ye have done itunto ME."TO THE WANDERER.LONELY traveller! little orphan!Sorrowful and weary,If thy life seem lone and cheerless,If the way be dreary,There is One can hear and see,Looks, and loves, and pities thee.We have got a Home for childrenPoor as thee and lonely,Where they hear of Christ the Saviour,'Tis for children only.Come, then, little wanderer, hereLearn of Christ the Saviour dear.

THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 59On the cross He died for sinnersFull of sin and cheerless,And He waits to take you to Him;Come, oh come, then, fearless.Meekly bow before His throne,All your sins and sorrows own.TO THE WANDERERS' FRIENDS.OH kind friends, help us in pity,There are very manyOrphans wander through the cityWithout e'en a penny.Give us of your bounteous store,Give to those distressed and poor.And our Lord will bless the giver,For His grace is endless;Therefore, friends, where'er you be,Try to help the friendless.Christ will say, when life is o'er,"' Come, for you have helped my poor."One of the Collectors.

n1CHAPTER VII.DAILY WORK.HAVE told you a great deal about the historyof the Nest, and now I think I ought to tellyou what it is like. Well, to begin with theoutside. It is just what the picture represents, a greatoblong stone building,-not at all like a real bird's nest; Iwish it was. I should like to have had it a cozy-lookingplace, with all sorts of nooks about it, porched doors, anddomer windows, and little chimneys popped about theroof; and then it would have been my taste to have roses,and ivy, and creeping plants climbing up, and round aboutthe windows and chimneys. And there should have beena nice green field round about, surrounded by a goodquick-set hedge. All this would have been very delight-ful, but would have cost a good deal of money. And doyou know we were obliged to put away all idea of beautywhen we considered the plans for The Nest. The greatproblem we had to solve was, how to accommodate the

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DAILY WORK. 61largest number of children for the smallest sum of money.And after thinking and planning a great deal, we wereobliged to take the plan that was the very simplest possible.It is ugly, I allow, outside, but it is economical and useful.The beauty is all inside. Who cares about the casketwhen compared with the precious jewels it contains ? whocares about the purse when compared with the money itcontains ? And so we do not care about the outside of thehouse, when we think of the precious jewels that are therebeing polished and prepared for the Saviour's casket. Weare content that no money has been wasted; and thougha great deal has been spent-much more than we at firstthought would have been enough-yet it is all put to goodpractical purposes.I have elsewhere described the plan of the building;now let us peep inside, and see what goes on there. It isjust break of day, on a fine spring morning. The greenblinds of the great dormitories are drawn down, but throughthe line left at the edge a bright beam of sunlight stretchesin; it rests on a little iron cot-bed covered with a brightpatchwork quilt; it kisses the rosy cheek of a curly-headedsleeper; he wakes up, and looks round on his sleepingcompanions. Forty-five such little iron beds, inhabited byforty-five such sleepers, are in that room; but they arenot to sleep much longer: one after another awakes, and

62 DAILY WORK.before very long somewhere about a dozen of the eldergirls come in, and the little ones are soon carried off to thewashing-rooms down stairs, where they are washed, anddressed, and brushed, and then turned out into the play-ground to wait for breakfast.Some time before the streak of sunlight roused up thelittle boy in the infants' dormitory, the elder boys were upand dressed, beds were neatly made, and if you want toknow where the boys are, you must listen for the sound ofscrubbing-brush, shoe-brush, or knife-board, for this is thetime for household work for the boys; and very much de-lighted they are to be permitted to take their share. Doyou know we are quite proud of our boys, they are suchpleasant, industrious fellows, and so fond of work. Justbefore breakfast-time these busy workers assemble in theirwashing-room, to change their clothes and wash; andwhen the breakfast-bell rings at half-past eight o'clock,boys, girls, and infants are all ready to march into thedining-room.The sun never shone upon a happier set of children. Itis a comfort to look at them seated round the tables, eachprovided with a good piece of bread, and a little tin canfilled with hot cocoa. Breakfast is soon despatched, andthen there is a run in the play-ground; and at nine o'clockthe children divide into three companies,-boys, girls,

DAILY WORK. 63and infants,-each company marching into its respectiveschool. And now begins new work,-mental work,-cheerful, happy seeking for the knowledge of which manyof the dear children were deprived so long. In any sec-tion of these schools you may have sweet hymns sung byfirst and second voices in beautiful harmony; you willget wonderful answering in Scripture texts and doctrine;and you will be surprised to find how much lessons areloved.While lessons are going on the kitchen presents abusy scene, for there dinner is preparing, not only for the190 nestlings, but for their teachers and helpers besides.The dinners are very simple,-potatoes and milk, or peasesoup, two days; meat in broth, two days; cold meat andpotatoes, one day; fish or bacon, with vegetables, oneday; and on Sundays, tea and bread and butter. At tenminutes to one six of the elder girls come out of schoolto lay the tables; and at one the great troop marches in,each child knowing its own place, and quietly taking it.The bell rings for silence, and then all voices join insinging-"Be present at our table, Lord;"and then begins the clatter of knives and forks or spoons,and the pleasant murmur of happy voices. At any momenta touch of the bell brings silence; and this is a very

64 DAILY WORK.pleasant time to talk a little to the children, as they areall there.At two o'clock all are again in school, till three; andthen, on fine days, there is a walk, the three schools goingseparately with their own teachers.Returning from the walk, there are various smalloccupations, till, at six o'clock, another meal of cocoa andbread; and then the infants are all washed and put to bed,and the elder children go into evening-school.This is the regular routine of every day but Saturdayand Sunday.I should like to give my readers two peeps at thefamily life of our children.A peep on a winter's afternoon. When lessons, anddinner, and walk are all over, a fine fire is made up inthe girls' schoolroom; forms are arranged in great semi-circles around it, inclosing a large basket full of thingsto be mended, and a box of needles, thread, scissors, &amp;c.The little boys and the little girls are in the infants'schoolroom, enjoying a game of romps with their be-loved friend, Miss M--; but all the boys and girls whocan sew are gathered around the schoolroom fire, andsome of the mere babies, too small to romp, are there too,and Mrs. O'Neil in the middle; and scissors and needles,and hands and tongues, are soon busy enough. " How

DAILY WORK. 65is this to be done ?" and, "Please, what shape-patch shallI put here ?" and, " Wouldn't it be best to make thesetwo pinafores into one?" &amp;c., &amp;c. But by-and-by allis in fair progress; and then one starts a hymn, and alljoin; and by the time that is done, perhaps the dooropens, and some dear friend enters with a book in herhand, and a chair is soon found for her, right in themiddle; and the supper-bell rings before the story is halfread, so it shall be finished next day.Now for a peep on a summer's evening. It is eighto'clock, but it is yet light, and for the last half-hour therehas been undressing going on. And when the night-gownwas on, and the clothes folded, each little one knelt downbeside its bed to thank God for all His blessings, and toask for more for itself and all its friends. And now theyare all in bed-forty-five-in the infants' dormitory;and we open the door and peep in. Some one at the farend spies us, and strikes up a hymn of welcome, and in amoment all are sitting up to join; and the sounds areheard in the other rooms, and some who have not begunto undress come in, so we have quite a concert. Andthen we say good-bye, and the children go to sleep; andwe pray that each one of those rescued little ones mayhave a place amongst the white-robed company above,who shall sing the new song unto Him that loved them.E

66 DAILY WORK.On Saturday school is over at twelve o'clock, and theelder girls immediately set to work to scrub floors, whichkeeps them busy almost all day.Several of the girls have responsibilities all to themselves.One has to take care of the tin cans, another of the knivesand forks; several of them have to help in keeping thewardrobes; and others act as mothers to a certain numberof the small children.If our girls were not very industrious they never wouldbe able to do all the work of the house, as till they havepassed their examination they must be in school in themorning hours; but they get up very early, especially onwashing days, and work so heartily, that the great house isat all times a pattern of cleanliness. One day I was downat the Nest during the girls' half-hour's play, which theyalways have in the middle of school. I was passing thelaundry, when I saw three girls hard at work. I said," Well done, little women; but why are you not at play? ""Oh!" said one, "it is play-hour; but we like work bet-ter than play." And so, of their own accord, they werespending the half-hour in folding and ironing clothes.I turned away, feeling very thankful that such was thespirit of these dear girls; and I wondered less than I haddone before at the cleanliness of the house, and at the suc-cess of those who go out. Our desire for the children is,

DAILY WORK. 67first of all, that they may be true followers of the LordJesus Christ, and then, that they may find favour in theeyes of those with whom they have to do.Now I should like to tell you how our nestlings spendSunday. It is a very happy day in Christian homes, andI am sure it is a happy day in this great Home.But I must begin with Saturday evenings. Shortly afterdinner washing begins, for every child must have a warmbath, and be thoroughly cleansed; then, as each one isundressed to go to bed, its clothes are well brushed, neatlyfolded, and laid into a basket; and the Sunday onesarranged ready for the morning. When morning comes,at seven o'clock there is a stir in the little beds, and theclean faces pop up, and one after another turn out of bed;and soon there is a happy bustle of washing and dressing,and then the elder ones make the beds and lay the break-fast, and at nine o'clock all sit down to the tables. Afterthis, while all keep their places, the matron talks a little tothem about the Sabbath-day, and the way in which littlechildren can serve God. Then she reads a chapter, andprays.After this the children go into the play-ground, andwalk about, learning hymns, or singing, or reading, forhalf-an-hour; then they have to dress for church. Eventhe little ones go every Sunday. None remain at home,

68 DAILY WORK.unless one happens to be sick. Two-and-two they go tochurch; and they sit very quietly, though many of themare so little they cannot understand much. After churchthey all get home, and the cloth is laid for dinner, andall sit down to it. Then there is another half-hour'squietness in the play-ground, and then Sunday School.After this there is a spare hour, in which' all do as theylike, only there must be no noise; and then all assemblein the infant schoolroom, and a kind clergyman or friendmeets them, and there is a children's service. Theyanswer the responses, and sing the chants; and the sermonis so simple that the very little ones can understand.They do so enjoy this; and some of the elder ones takenotes of the sermon. After this supper is soon ready,and then the younger ones go to bed, and the elder onessit up a little longer, and read their books.I am sometimes asked whether we have any naughtychildren in the Nest, for all my stories are about goodones? And one day a lady said to me, in quaint language,"Thee thinks them a great deal better than they are."Well, I don't know about that. I think it is much betterto think about bright things than dark. And I'm afraidI must plead guilty of telling bright things, for they arepleasant to tell, and pleasant to remember; and there isan old proverb which says, that "Every family should

DAILY WORK. 69wash its own dirty clothes,"-that means, that troublesshould not be made public. And you know kind parentsalways try to forget their children's faults when they areforgiven. But I suppose, as our birdies have so manyparents, and parents ought to know all about theirchildren, I ought to shew the dark side of our nestlingsas well as the bright side. Of course we have troublesand difficulties of all sorts. Our little children come tous with wild habits and untrained minds. Some of themhave never known loving care, and it takes a great deal ofpatience on the part of the Matron and teachers to restrainwild habits, and instil principles of obedience, and love,and order.One cold day in winter I saw a new little girl lookingas if her clothes were very thin. I had lately given warmpetticoats to each, and I looked at hers-she had but oneon. "Did you not get a new warm petticoat ?" I asked."Yes, ma'am." "And where is it?" She did notspeak for a moment. Then she said, "I sold it to--." She did not say for what price; but the otherlittle girl had three petticoats. It is very common to findnew children changing clothes with each other when outin the play-ground. They have to be taught everything,even how to put on their clothes.Sometimes little boys and girls who have been, up to

70 DAILY WORK.nine or ten years of age, living an idle, wandering life,cannot bear the restraint of home, and they wander away,over and over again. Even one boy who has this restlesspropensity does great mischief, and will often lead awayothers. One day a little girl wandered away withanother, and was found by the Master in the streets ofDublin, with her bib full of her little possessions. Shehad nowhere to go, and was greatly frightened; he tookher safely back again, poor little wanderer We try tomake the children as happy as we can, surrounding themwith gentle influences, and most of them grow up nicely;and even the troubles are blessings, if they give us fresherrands to our loving Saviour.We try to teach our children to live as in the presenceof a loving Father; to do the meanest of their daily workas for Him; to obey, not with "eye-service;" to go toJesus in all trouble, and thank Him for all joys. Foreven the little ones can thus glorify God in their dailylessons and daily work.

DAILY WORK. 71LITTLE LIGHTS.Jrsus bids us shineWith a pure, clear lightLike a little candleBurning in the night;In the world of darkness,So we must shine,You in your small corner,And I in mine.Jesus bids us shineFirst of all for Him;Well He sees and knows it,If our light grow dim:He looks down from heavenTo see us shine,You in your small corner,And I in mine.Jesus bids us shineThen-for all around,For many kinds of darknessIn the world are found:There's sin, there's want and sorrow,So we must shine,You in your small corner,And I in mine.

CHAPTER VIII.HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS."It is more blessed to give than to receive."OW I think I must tell you something aboutChristmas time in the Birds' Nest; and howthe real Holly and Ivy, and the real time ofjoy, comes to the poor birdies. If I give you the historyof one Christmas it will do for a specimen. Well, there"is a kind gentleman who lives near the Nest, and whovery often watches the procession of one hundred and fiftyboys and girls going to church on Sundays, and sees theirgood behaviour there.About a fortnight before Christmas time a very kindthought came into his head and heart-it was this: Iwill give those dear children a real Christmas dinner-beef and plum pudding. He asked a lady to manage itfor him, and he would pay the money. This lady had akind heart and a wise head, and so she sat down tomake her calculations. There were raisins and currants,and sugar and suet, and flour and bread, and beef and

HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 73potatoes, to be bought; and the first question was-howmuch of each would be wanted? and the second was-howsuch a great dinner should be cooked? Both these ques-tions required consultation and calculation; but at last theplans were all laid, and the children were told what theirkind friend was going to do for them. There was a greatclapping of hands, and a great shout of joy at the news.And from that time till Christmas-day there was asmuch pleasure in the hearts of the poor little children inthe Nest as there is in the hearts of the little children wholive in happy homes, and have kind papas and mammas,and elder brothers and sisters, who they know are pre-paring joyful surprises for Christmas-day.At length the Christmas-eve came, and on that day thepreparations were to be made. Early in the morningthree carts, loaded with ivy, and holly with red berries,arrived at the gate. And the boys were sent to carry itall in, which they accomplished in a wonderfully shorttime. Then, with the help of the girls, and directed by theschoolmaster and schoolmistress, the room was dressed up.Such a happy time it was! The sun shone in at the win-dows, and the hum of the mingled happy voices was rightpleasant to hear. "Many hands made light work," andby the middle of the day the decorations were finished.Then came the girls with brooms to sweep out the rub-

74 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS.bish, and that was all that could be done in that room forthat day at least, and the work was finished. Not so inthe kitchen. There a number of the elder girls, headedby the kind matron, Miss Howard,* were most busilyengaged all day long, making those most wonderfulthings, plum puddings!It was eleven o'clock before they all got to bed; butno matter, they were all too excited to be sleepy. Andvery early on Christmas morning the little ones wereroused, that there might be time for much extra combing,and washing, and dressing; really I do think the big girlshad made up their minds that every little face should bepolished so as to be a regular looking-glass, reflecting thebrightness around.But all this washing and dressing was over by breakfasttime; and then the children went to church, all except afew elder girls, who had to stay at home to lay the tables.This was accomplished with even more care than usual.The cloths were quite clean, and the knives and forkspolished up in a marvellous manner.The meat was roasting in the kitchen, and the puddingswere boiling in the boiler, when the little ones came homefrom church; and they were all seated in their places at* Miss Howard was the kind friend who undertook the office of matronwhen we first got into the new Nest.

HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 75the tables when the kind gentleman and his family andother friends came in. It did not take long to place thedishes on the tables, and then grace was sung, and severalkind friends set to work to cut up the joints, and soon allwere helped.While the plates were being washed for the pudding,the children sang some hymns, and so gave pleasure tothe friend who was giving them so much. It was fouro'clock before this happy dinner was over.I don't know whether the kind gentleman thought ofthe words of Jesus, but I am sure many others did,-"When thou makest a feast, call the poor Theycannot recompense.thee, but thou shalt be recompensed."Oh, yes! in doing good there is a recompense now, inthe joy and lightness of heart; and there is a recompensehereafter, for will not Jesus one day say, "Come, yeblessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared foryou; for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I wasa stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me.Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of thesemy brethren, ye have done it unto me!"These promises, and the smile of Jesus, are the HOLLYAND IVY to us,-the bright things of winter time. Butwhen they are all fulfilled, and we live in His presence,where there is fulness of joy, there will be no winter time,

76 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS.for "the trees yield their fruit every month, and there isno night there."But we have not done with Christmas time yet. Therewere some little children living in England, and theywanted to give pleasure to the poor little nestlings, andthey set to work and made a large number of bags, withpincushions and thimbles in them, for the elder girls, andthey dressed dolls for the little ones; and when I heardof this, I said, "We must have a Christmas tree to hangall these nice things on." Other children heard of thisplan, and they took up the idea, and some sent balls andtops, and some sent little books and markers; and at lengththere were enough things for each child to have something.I could not tell you what idea the poor little childrenhad of a Christmas tree; some of them had never seensuch a thing, and so they puzzled over it till theydreamed about it, and at length made up their minds thatit must be something very wonderful indeed. And soit was.We did not set up the tree till one day in January.The children's friend, Mr. Dallas, was coming over, andso we waited for him, for it was to be a regular day of re-joicing. We opened the folding doors, and so made twogreat rooms into one; and then we set up the tree in themiddle. It reached up very high, there were some pretty

HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 77flags at the top, and each article on the tree had the nameof a child upon it, Tables were set up around the tree,for the children were to have tea and cake, and they wereto be questioned, and friends were to be present to listen,and share the fun. The little children of the Nest werenot allowed to see the preparations till all was ready; butthey did not mind this, for they had a secret too, and feltthemselves quite important. I think I must let you intotheir secret. Well, you know Jesus said, "It is moreblessed to give than to receive," and Miss Howard thoughtthe nestlings should, on this grand occasion, taste of thepleasure of giving. So she got a piece of canvas, andprepared the pattern of a lamp-stand, to be given by thechildren to Mr. Dallas. She determined that each childshould at least put in a stitch. This was not very easyto manage; but if Miss Howard once set her heart upona thing, she would be sure to carry it out. She arrangedthe children all in a row around the schoolroom, then shetook a chair and sat at the head of them, with the workin her hand. She then gave the order for a very slowmarch, and as each child came up to her, it put in onestitch. In this way all had a little share; and the workwas afterwards finished by some of the elder girls. Itwas quite a pretty lamp-stand. When it was ready, aletter was written, signed by all the children who could

78 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS.write, and the little ones' names were put down for them;and this was the children's secret.Well, at last the time came, and friends assembled;amongst them many of the members of "The Children'sAssociation;" some who had given the things for the tree,but not all. Then the children marched in and took theirplaces; but the little ones opened their eyes so wide, andwondered so much at the beautiful tree, that they had tobe lifted into their seats; one of them tumbled over aform, he did not know what he was doing. Very soonMr. Dallas came, and then the children sang a song ofwelcome, which had been composed for the occasion, tothe tune of "Some folks like to sigh." I must put it inhere for those who did not hear it."Welcome, welcome home,Father dear, father dear,Welcome, welcome home,We're glad to see you here.Join all with heart and voice,And glad hosannas raise,We '11 swell the song,Our Jesus' name we'11 praise."Once we wandered far,Father dear, father dear,Once we wandered far,But you have brought us here.

HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 79Join all with heart and voice,And loud hosannas raise,We'll swell the song,Our Jesus' name we '11 praise."Erin's children sighed,Long ago, long ago,Your arms were opened wideTo shelter them from woe.Join all with heart and voice,And loud hosannas raise,We'll swell the song,Our Jesus' name we'll praise."Erin's children loveTo welcome you, to welcome you,You've taught us how aboveWe '11 meet the Saviour, too.Join all with heart and voice,And loud hosannas raise,We '11 swell the song,Our Jesus' name we '11 praise."In the better land,Father dear, father dear,A glorious angel bandWill welcome you up there.Join all with heart and voice,And loud hosannas raise,We 'll swell the song,Our Jesus' name we '11 praise."When this had been sung, and tea and cake finished,

80 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS.the smallest child, a little boy with rosy cheeks and curlyhair, was lifted up on the table beside Mr. Dallas; andhe handed him first the letter, which Mr. Dallas readaloud; and then he gave the paper parcel, and Mr. Dallasopened it, and expressed his delight and his thanks. Andthen he took the little boy in his arms, and kissed him,and blessed him; and he told the children the kiss and theblessing was for them all; and all the children looked verymuch pleased; and then they answered some questionsnicely; and after that the pretty things were taken fromthe tree, and given round to the children; and there wassuch joy, and such wonder, and such looking at eachothers' things as never was known before. And then wethought all the fun was over; but no, we were mistaken.A strange gentleman was present, and he was so interestedin the children, that he came forward, and said he had anice Magic Lantern, which he would be very glad tobring and shew them.Of course all were delighted; and so the Magic Lan-tern was brought; and the happy day had a very happyending. And I think you will all agree with me in think-ing that the children of The Birds' Nest had indeed, whatwe wish to every one of you, as year by year goes by,-A HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 81CHRISTMAS DAY.'Tis Christmas Day-glad voicesAwake the solemn sound,And happy voices in our home,And healthful looks around.Why do we thus keep Christmas morn ?-It is the day when Christ was born.With little gifts that tell our love,With garlands on the wall,With thankful hearts and helpful hands,We keep a festival.Why do we thus keep Christmas morn?-It is the day when Christ was born.Full eighteen hundred years ago,Christ Jesus came on earth:He came, He rose, He died for us-We thank God for His birth.And therefore we keep Christmas morn,The day our Saviour Christ was born.Christ healed the sick, and helped the poor,While He was here on earth.Do what you can to be like Him,This morning of His birth.Help some one to keep Christmas morn,The day our Saviour Christ was born.F

CHAPTER IX.THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION."The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all."-PROV. xxii. 2.E have told a great deal about the Birds' Nest,and the children who have there found a home.Now we want to tell something about the wayin which children in many places have joined together tosupport them; but I should like all, especially the littleones, to remember, that every good thing we are enabledto do is of God-it is He "who worketh in us both towill and to do." What a wonderful thing it is that Heshould let us be sharers in His great work He could doit all without us, even as He said, " Let there be light,and there was light." But, in His wonderful mercy, Hetakes us, a band of feeble people and little children, intopartnership with himself, and gives us strength to labour,and then gives us such rewards.When our dear friend, Mrs. George Wale, died, someof her work fell into my hands,-the preparation of the

THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 83"ERIN'S HOPE," the juvenile magazine of the Societyfor Irish Church Missions. For some years it had beena great pleasure to her to write true stories about Irishchildren for the children of England.I love little children very much indeed. I think thatwhen Jesus gathered a group of children around Him,and " put His hands upon them, and blessed them," Hemeant that His followers should be blessings to littlechildren. And when he said to Peter, "Feed my lambs,"He meant that not only Peter, but all who could say,with Peter, " Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,"should take the words of Jesus to their hearts, and shouldtry to lead the lambs of the flock into the right paths.Thousands of children every month read "Erin'sHope." I should have felt it too great a responsibilityto write for so many, only I knew that if Jesus said tome, "Feed my lambs," He would give me stores of food;He would give me the right thoughts and the rightwords; and so I took it as my work for Jesus. Well,you know, besides the children I was writing for, therewere the poor little children God had given us to workfor; and one day the thought came to me, Surely thesechildren belong to each other, we must form a "CHIL-DREN'S ASSOCIATION." The children to whom Godhas given good gifts will be glad to share them; and how

84 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION.happy this will make them, for Jesus said, " It is moreblessed to give than to receive."So I asked Jesus about it all, and then formed aChildren's Association. My own name was put downas Secretary, and three little children who lived in thesame house were the first members. We made threeresolutions,-We will pray for the Birds' Nest.We will work'for the Birds' Nest.We will collect for the Birds' Nest.The very first thing we did was to pray. And onceevery week regularly, and on every special occasion, wewent into a room together in the dark; and then wetalked a little together of our wants; and then we kneltdown, and each one prayed. And as we got on a littlewe 'found that we had thanks to offer as well as prayer;and before we knelt we counted our mercies as well asour wants; and so in everything, with praise and thanks-giving, our wants were made known to our HeavenlyFather, who seeth in secret. One of these little girls,the youngest, is not with us now; she is gone to dwellin that fair land where" The streets are shining gold,And the glory is untold."We miss her earnest voice at our prayer meetings, and

THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 85her glad voice in the hymn of praise; but we know her'sis one of the most joyous voices raised in the heavenlysong. And it may be that she and many another littleone who on earth learned to care for poor children, forJesus' sake, talk together of them there.When.we had thus started the Children's Association,I published a little penny book, entitled, "A few words tolittle Children who want to be like Jesus," and wroteabout it in "Erin's Hope." I asked any little childrenwho wished to join to write to me, and then preparedsome cards ready for any children who might wish tocollect.We took three wretched little children who wanted toget into the Birds' Nest, and a friend photographed them;from this a woodcut was made and printed on the cards;and then I waited a little while to see what would come ofit. I felt like a gardener who had sown seed in a bed inhis garden; or a farmer who has sown a field all over withwheat; or a little girl who has planted a geranium slip ina pot in her nursery window. I thought of some wordsof Jesus-"Any plant that my heavenly Father hath notplanted shall be rooted up." And I watched to seewhether my plants were of His planting.After some days there came a letter by post. It wasdirected in a lady's handwriting. There was nothing par-

86 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION.ticular about it; but the inside caused me great joy. Itwas written in letters copied out of printed books, eachletter about an inch long, and the words, " My dear Secre-tary," filled the first page. When I had read it all, I foundit contained the request of a little girl, that I would sendher a collecting-card. And I did send her a card, andwrote her a letter directed to herself; and after that thepostman often brought me letters from little childrenwanting cards; and some from fathers and mothers, whowere delighted that their children had found a work forJesus so suitable to them. One of their dear, lovingmothers says, "I feel truly interested; it is so nice forchildren to feel that God will graciously employ them insuch a work. I trust, in this coming year, if spared, toknow and to feel more of the power of prayer, to praymore, and to watch more for answers to prayer; and yourlittle book has come to help me in this, by giving suchmarked answers to your prayers, and those of your dearchildren. My child, who will take up the card, is myonly one, and not strong. I mention this to you, becauseI feel your hearts are large enough to take other people'schildren in; and when you pray for the young collectorsand helpers in your interesting work, you will include myboy in your petition. May God bless and prosper youabundantly, even as He has promised, and He is faithful."

THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 87Writing is the best way of talking to friends at adistance, but for those near it is better to meet face toface; so we got up some meetings of different kinds.The first was a tea-party in St. John's School-house.Sometimes we had meetings without tea. Sometimeswe had a magic-lantern meeting at the Nest. Onemeeting was a very charming one-a real Children's Asso-ciation meeting, "the rich and the poor meeting together."We asked every collector to give a shilling, and to cometo the Nest on a certain Thursday evening, at four o'clock.When we had got all the shillings, we got a great quantityof currant-cake made, and ordered the children's eveningsupply of bread to be made into flat cakes, and to bebrought hot. Then we hired some cups, saucers, teapots,jugs, and bowls, and we arranged our tea-party. Sixcups and saucers, a bowl, and jug, went to each teapot.The hot cakes were buttered, and the currant-cake cutup, on plates down each table; and when the collectorshad arrived, the nestlings were all brought into the tea-room, and a little girl collector presided at each teapot,while a little boy waited on her. It was a most enjoyableparty.Our Children's Association has grown very fast, andstruck down root in many different places; and year by

88 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION.year it has grown, and strengthened, and yielded richerand richer fruits.When we made up the account at the end of its firstyear, and found that the children had sent 35, we werevery much delighted. And year by year the sum in-creased more and more, till last year, 1870, it was morethan 900. A wonderful, blessing seems to rest on allengaged in this work, and wonderful pleasure it bringswith it.Feeding and clothing hungry children is such a real work-a work that very small children can understand; and itseems quite worth while to give only a penny, when itwill pay for one breakfast. And fourpence seems quitea large sum when it will feed a nestling for a whole day.And then, when a party of children form themselves intoan association, and collect enough for the entire supportof one or two children, they feel all the responsibility offathers and mothers, and all sorts of little plans are devisedfor the good of "our nestling." Even the very littleones can help to make a patchwork quilt to cover its bed,and the boys can knit stockings for it, or make a scrap-book; and all can save or collect money.In our great Children's Association there are all sortsof workers. I often think I should like to see them allin one view. I can only imagine what a sight it would

THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 89be, We should see a little girl in a beautiful castle; sheis learning to hem; it is hard work, but for every half-yard she will get a penny to put in her Birds' Nest box.We should see a sick little boy in a garret in London; heis hoarding up farthings, and trying to fill a little bag forthe nestlings. We should see many groups of children towhom God has given bounteously: they are gatheredaround some kind friend, busy sewing, and on the tablelies the money box, into which they have put their weeklycontributions, and beside it a letter, in large characters,written by their own nestling. We should see classes oflittle children in infants' schools trying to put very littlestitches into their bits of calico, for they are to be sewedtogether one day to make a quilt to send to the Birds'Nest. We should see happy parties preparing Christmastree sales, and lonely children doing what they can.And better than all, we should see little groups met forprayer.Dear children, you who have enrolled yourselves mem-bers of this great Children's Association, don't look uponyour work as small or unimportant. It is " your Father'sbusiness "-the work He has given you to do. He hasneed of your services. You want Jesus to save you, andmake you ready for His glorious home; and Jesus wantsyou to minister to His poor. Oh! it is a blessed service,

90 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION.enough to make any one happy who enlists in it; but itmust be done from a right motive,-to be real service itmust begin with the heart. If you listen to Jesus saying," My son, give me thy heart," and you obey Him in that,you will soon give Him your hands too.Sometimes children and young people take up a causein great earnestness, and work with zeal for a while, andthen-they forget-or they don't like the trouble-orthere is something else to do. Their kindness passesaway.I was very much struck one day by a remark of one ofour little nestlings. We had a great number of collectorsat the Nest. There was a "Holly and Ivy" tea-party,and after the tea there was a magic-lantern with dissolvingviews. A large group of the little nestlings was gatheredon a raised platform behind the sheet, and I was sittingamongst them, very much amused at their delight. Onelittle thing who was sitting close beside me kept strokingmy hand, and manifesting her affection in many childishways. She watched the pictures melting one intoanother for some time. Then she suddenly looked up atme and said, "Don't 'oo go and change." "Why," Isaid, "how could I change?" "'Oo so kind now," shesaid. It was a wonderful saying. I looked at the childwith a feeling of reverence, and I said to myself, I must

THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 91give this message to the members of the Children'sAssociation, for the nestlings look upon me as themessenger sent to them by all of you; and now I say toyou, "Don't 'oo go and change." If you have begun inthe right way, by giving your heart to Jesus, I do notfear for you. I only fear for those who have only sandfor a foundation to their good works.Of the many children who have joined our Children'sAssociation, some are not with us now. In the midstof their young labours they have heard the secretmessage, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee."And they have gone up higher. Short was their workingday, but long will be their joyful rest, for of each of thesedear ones we have full confidence that they belonged tothe fold of the Good Shepherd.Could these glorified little ones look down upon usfrom their happy home, I think they would say, " Wedid not work hard enough for Jesus; do you who are leftwork harder." I think they would say, " Oh, heaven issuch a glorious place; do what you can to bring thepoor children here." I think they would say, "Thereis nothing on earth worth doing compared with servingour dear Redeemer."Are there any reading this little book who will taketheir place amongst the workers? Jesus is looking down

92 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION.upon you now, and longing to have you for His own.He says to you, "My son, give me thine heart." Hesays to you, too, " Son, go work to-day in my vine-yard." There is a multitude to be fed-only Jesusknows how it is to be done; but are there not many ofyou who are like the " lad who had five barley loaves andtwo small fishes ?" Well, bring them to Jesus; He willaccept, and make them sufficient.We must never leave our rescued children unfed,unclothed, and uncomforted. Our "Holly and Ivy"must be true evergreen, only looking fresher, andsparkling brighter, for the depth of the winter time, andthe desolation around.But it does not grow of itself, therefore we want manyhands to gather and bring it. If you want useful work-if you want pleasant work-come and help us to brightenup the lives of desolate little children; come and help tosupply THE HOLLY AND IVY.

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20 HOW WE BEGAN. The Shepherd saved those lost wandering sheep, For He fought with their cruel foe; And in His blood, then shed for them, He washed them as white as snow. Come all, &c. And He will take them one happy, happy day, To a fairer, lovelier home, Across the mountains, far, far away, Where the wolf no more can roam. Come all, &c. Come young and old to this happy Gospel fold, To this tender Shepherd's care, For none can go to that lovely distant home, Till His saving grace they share. Come all ye who hear, who hear, Come, and never fear: There's room for all, And the Shepherd doth call, Oh, come, and be happy here."

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142 SAFE AT HOME. age. About three years before she had been brought to the Ragged School by a clergyman. He said she had no one to take care of her; and as soon as there was room she was admitted into "The Birds' Nest." She was a quiet, serious child, naturally of an amiable disposition, and gave very little trouble. She studied the Bible earnestly, and so learned the true motive for obedience. We could not tell exactly when she became one of Christ's followers. It was like sunshine on a misty morning; the light dawns and spreads about, but you cannot tell exactly when the sun rises. But before noon the mist clears away, and then there can be no mistake about the sunshine. Thus it was with Janey. It was only morning time with her when she was laid upon a bed of sickness, but then there was no mistaking about the clear shining of the Sun of Righteousness. Many a long day she lay calmly and patiently on her little bed in the hospital. One day when I went to see her, she repeated for me a little hymn:"Jesus, only He can give Peace and comfort while we live; Jesus only can supply Boldness, if we're called to die." She repeated the words as if they came from her heart;

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64 DAILY WORK. pleasant time to talk a little to the children, as they are all there. At two o'clock all are again in school, till three; and then, on fine days, there is a walk, the three schools going separately with their own teachers. Returning from the walk, there are various small occupations, till, at six o'clock, another meal of cocoa and bread; and then the infants are all washed and put to bed, and the elder children go into evening-school. This is the regular routine of every day but Saturday and Sunday. I should like to give my readers two peeps at the family life of our children. A peep on a winter's afternoon. When lessons, and dinner, and walk are all over, a fine fire is made up in the girls' schoolroom; forms are arranged in great semicircles around it, inclosing a large basket full of things to be mended, and a box of needles, thread, scissors, &c. The little boys and the little girls are in the infants' schoolroom, enjoying a game of romps with their beloved friend, Miss M--; but all the boys and girls who can sew are gathered around the schoolroom fire, and some of the mere babies, too small to romp, are there too, and Mrs. O'Neil in the middle; and scissors and needles, and hands and tongues, are soon busy enough. How

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CHAPTER III. DARK CLOUDS. OT quite one year from the opening of The Birds' Nest a great sorrow fell upon us, in the death of the beloved and loving one who had gathered the children, and called their home The Birds' Nest. Brightly and beautifully had her light shone on earth, and all too soon for us who were left-behind was she called away; but we tried to say, "Thy will be done." The children of The Birds' Nest were not the only rescued ones who mourned her loss. When her death was announced, the Ragged School was a place of weeping. She was a daughter of the late Archbishop Whately, and though lately married, died at her father's house. Some time before her death she had expressed a wish that her funeral might have none of the usual pomp about it, but that her dear poor people might be her mourners. When she was gone her father remembered her wish. A plain hearse left the palace door, with just two mourning carriages; but on the way to the family

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128 NOT ALONE. And so it was. Emily had always tried to be a good child at home, although she was a Roman Catholic, and did not know the true motives for obedience; and her mother was very fond of her. But by some means she got a New Testament, and when she read this, she found how wrong the Roman Catholic religion is, and she refused to follow it. Then her mother turned against her, and she made up the story of Emily's wickedness, in order to make people think she was right in turning her out of the house. Poor child! she had now no home on earth, but Jesus was preparing for her a home in heaven; and because He wanted to make her ready for that home, He led her young footsteps as once He led Abraham, saying, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thyfather's house, unto a land which I will shew thee." Abraham went out that he might "receive the promises," and so did Emily; for when she came to the Ragged School she had only head knowledge. She herself afterwards said, "I did not love Jesus when I first went there; I only had Him in my head; but He was not in my heart. I did not get Him into my heart till I was there three weeks, and then I only began to love Him a little." Long before the month was out Emily had endeared

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Is HOW WE BEGAN. in the morning, and dressed and washed themselves. Then there were beds to make, and rooms to sweep; after which they assembled in a long room at the back of the house for prayer. After comfortable warm breakfasts of cocoa and bread, hats and bonnets were brought out, and the little party set off, two-and-two, followed by their kind matron, to the Mission School; and in many a home, as they passed, kind voices said, "Here come the children," and kind faces looked out upon them and blessed them; and the clatter of forty pairs of wooden clogs was a constant reminder to collectors to be up and doing. But the clatter of the clogs was heard by enemies too. There were some who were angry because the children were taken by Protestants, and taught the Bible. They would break up The Nest if they could; and many a scheme was laid for the purpose. The children knew they had enemies, and that they were always in danger; but they knew God as their Father, they knew they were safe. only under His protection, and so they learned to trust in Him. Up in the dormitories at night they met for prayer; and a few trees in the garden formed a tabernacle where these dear children often met with God. Frequently in the playtime the voice of mirth would be stopped, and you might hear sweet children's voices joining in a hymn.

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182 SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. "Yes; but I think I shall soon die." But do you think you are ready to die?" Yes, quite ready," she sweetly said. "Jesus has taken all my sins. I'm fitter to die than to live." "You mean that your body is not strong enough to work; don't you, dear?" "Yes. I never could work hard; and I'd like to be with Jesus in heaven." "Do you suffer much?" "No, not much at all; God is very good to me about that; and the children are so kind to me. I've never been knocked down once in the playground." Sarah was a very helpful little girl-" a ministering child." She had always a needle and thread ready to sew up a tear in any little one's frock; but her especial charge was the boys' collars. Twice a-week she had to look over all the fifty-six boys' coats, and sew a clean collar on each. She loved to be useful. She was humble-minded too, never putting herself forward, or seeking notice. One day a friend was sitting in the midst of a group of children in the playground. He asked them what they had been learning lately. They said, the Gospel of St. John. So he began to question them, first about the woman of Samaria; and how Jesus said if she knew Him she would have asked for living

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"A PILGRIM GOING HOME." 169 and she calmly waited for the change she knew was coming. She had not a shadow of doubt or fear. Just three days before her death there came a change in her symptoms, and we knew that her death was rapidly approaching. There was no difficulty in telling her this; she was quite ready; she received the news with a beaming smile. "I hope it will be very soon," she said. Her breathing was so bad that she could not lie down, so she sat day and night on a little stool, leaning her head upon the side of her bed. When any of us went to see her, she would so gratefully exchange the bed for our shoulder or knee. On Saturday night she would not allow any one to sit up with her, only she had a candle lighted; she said Jesus would be with her. Several times in the night, when her kind nurse got up to look at her, she said, "I 'm so happy! I'm going to God; not to-day, but to-morrow." I never saw anything so beautifully calm as the dyingtime of this dear child. It did so remind me of the beautiful hymn"Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are, While on His breast I lean my head, And breathe my life out sweetly there." Early on Sunday morning I visited Annie, being

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DARK CLOUDS. 23 COME let us join our friends above Who have obtained the prize, And on the eagle wings of love To joys celestial rise. Let all the saints terrestrial sing With those to glory gone; For all the servants of our King, In earth and heaven, are one. One family we dwell in Him, One Church above, beneath, Though now divided by the stream, The narrow stream of death. One army of the living God, At His command we bow; Part of His host have crossed the flood, And part are crossing now. Our spirits, too, shall quickly join, Like theirs with glory crown'd, And shout to see our Captain's sign, To hear His trumpet sound. Lord Jesus, be our constant guide, And when the word is given, Bid death's cold flood its waves divide, And land us-safe in heaven."

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50 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. mother took him again, dressed him in miserable clothes, and went out to beg. His friend was greatly distressed, and she prayed very earnestly for her lost nestling. Often she wrote for news. I wanted her to take another child, but she would not give up Eddy." She said, "I'll pray ON;" and in October the mother again brought the child, saying, if he might be in the Nest with his sister, she would never take him away again. And so little Eddy once more had his rags exchanged for Nest clothing, and he is safe and happy. Amongst our children is a ,blue-eyed, fair-haired boy, of seven years of age. His father, a most respectable workman, died some three .years ago, leaving the poor mother with three children, one a little baby. She had no means of support, and gradually all her little possessions were sold to buy food. Her relations would do nothing for her, because she attended the Mission Church, and was trying to bring up her little ones in the Protestant faith, she being a convert. Application was made to get the boy into the Nest, but he was too young. We paid the rent of a room for the poor woman, and gave her needlework, but her baby hindered her working, and she became the picture of misery. In March she wrote:" I am very thankful for what you do for me, but it is utterly useless. It is very hard to be utterly destitute, in

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CHAPTER III. SAFE AT HOME. "And there shall be no more death." N the spring of 1862, two dear girls were absent from the Nest, sick in the hospital. One of these two was a dear girl named Hannah. She early learned to trust in Jesus; and before she went to the hospital, felt and knew that her sins were forgiven. And through those four weary months, when she knew she was to die, her soul was kept resting in Jesus. She was often able to be up, and then she would sit beside the little beds in the children's ward, and teach the little ones texts of Scripture and sweet hymns. She was much beloved amongst them all. She did not die in the hospital, but just a week after she had left it. She was happy to the last; her faith endured to the end; and she left behind her a testimony to the faithfulness of Jesus. The other was quite a little child, about ten years of

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INTRODUCTORY. II and let thy widows trust in ME."-Because the onlybegotten Son, in His wondrous life on earth, left us an example that we should love little children.-Because when in His risen body He talked with His disciples, and would have from Peter a proof of constant love, He said, "Feed my lambs." Now He is gone, and we are left to follow out the path He traced; and as alone, or in companies, His servants tread that path, He looks down with kindly eye and sympathizing heart. Oh let us never forget that we are working for Him who took a little child and set him by Him,-that we have a smile from Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto ME." Oh, then"Aim to be like Jesus; walk with God, Look up to learn your heavenly Father's willLook round the earth on which your Saviour trodAnd when you find a child of sorrow, ill, Forlorn and helpless, toiling up the hill, Be thou a loving angel, and thy face, In tending it, shall shine as angels' do; As shine those sons of light in that high place, Hid for a little while from mortal view, Where, if you follow Christ, you'll be an angel too." The Birds' Nest shelters one hundred and ninety of these "forlorn and helpless" ones. They have been taken out from the wide world, and brought together, not

HOLLY AND IVY. PART II. -00ooCHAPTER I. THE FIRST DEATH. "There are many little children ndw in heaven with harps of gold, And harps on earth so beautiful you never could behold; And these little children play their harps so tenderly and sweet, That the angels love to listen as they bow at Jesus' feet." HIS second part of our book is to be about those of our nestlings who from time to time"'Scaping the storms of this weary life, 'Scaping the dust and the heat, Flew up thro' the great golden archway to God, To nestle for aye at His feet." We cannot call them "sad stories," for they all died having a sure trust in the Saviour, knowing their sins were forgiven, that in His blood they were washed

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SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. I8I so she was taken in, and very soon attracted the love of all around her. When I think over Sarah's life in the Birds' Nest, I am most surprised at her constant cheerfulness. The doctor said that every organ of her body was diseased, and she often suffered great pain; yet she joined the other children in the schoolroom and in the playground, and had always a smile and a kind word for any one who spoke to her. She could not join her companions in their walks, because of her lameness; but a kind lady who lived near asked her to spend the walking-time with her. In winter she taught her to play on the piano, or gave her something to do in the house. In summer she weeded the garden, and tended the flowers. When little Sarah lay dead, this lady stood weeping over her. "The sunbeam is gone from our home," she said; "we all loved the dear child so much." Soon after Sarah came to the Nest a friend noticed that her stick was too short. He bought a new one, and, sitting out in the playground, cut it to the right length. Some months afterwards he saw that the stick was worn down again. While preparing a second one, he said, "You must always let me buy your sticks." Sarah looked up at him, and said, "I don't think I shall want many." "Why not, dear? you are growing stronger now."

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CHAPTER IV. CALLED AND CHOSEN. "He shall gather the lambs in His arms, and carry them in His bosom." HE following story is that of a dear little boy, whose name stood upon our books for admission as soon as there should be a vacancy; but while he waited he was called away to "the beautiful land of rest." When the messengers of the Good Shepherd go out to seek those who are lost, they cannot see the marks by which Jesus knows which are His, and so they gather in all they can find; and they teach them about Him who loved them enough to die for them, and they try to win them into the upward path that leads to heaven. Many of the children who are gathered into the earthly fold never reach the heavenly; they love sin better than holiness, and the broad easy road that leads to death better than the narrow difficult path that leads to life. K

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HOW WE BEGAN. 17 We could not afford to buy bedsteads, but every child had a little sack, filled with straw, laid on the floor, with a pair of sheets and blankets; and as we admitted more children into the Nest, the number of these little beds increased, till at last they were so thickly laid, side by side, that it was with difficulty we could step about the rooms; there were forty children. Week after week the Committee of The Birds' Nest met; and week after week they met with two great difficulties : one was that money did not come in as fast as it was wanted; but for this there was a remedy,-prayer and work. The other difficulty was, how to refuse the multitude of poor. children who pressed for admission; it was so very hard to turn them away, and think that they must continue to wander the streets, faint and weary; and the ladies prayed very much for guidance. They felt as if God was'saying to them, Take these children and nurse them for Mes I will give you money." And so they determined that as soon as possible they would build a Home which would hold one hundred and fifty, and they would write down in a book the cases of the children who were left without, that as soon as there was room they might all be taken in. The little children who had found a home in The Birds' Nest were very busy, and very happy. They rose early B

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32 GOING FORWARD. At the other end are apartments for the master, and above, sleeping-rooms for the boys. On the day of opening the folding-doors were opened, and the two large school-rooms formed one very large room, which was beautifully decorated with green leaves and paper flowers. These, with the new school pictures and maps hanging upon the wall, gave it quite a bright, lively appearance; and when the bright spring sun shone in at the windows, our hearts quite danced with joy. On one of the sides, half-way down the room, was a sort of platform, on which the gentlemen who were to speak might stand. At two o'clock the children were all assembled in the yard of the old house, each neatly dressed. The girls had new straw bonnets, which had just been given to them by two kind friends. When Mr. Dallas appeared they set up a great shout, and then sang a welcome. Afterwards all formed into a procession, headed by Mr. Dallas with the very smallest child by the hand. So they walked through the house and across the road, and up the stairs of the new Nest, the wonder and curiosity of the children increasing more and more. The large room was so full of people, who had come to the opening, that it was not very easy for the children to

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DAILY WORK. 67 first of all, that they may be true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then, that they may find favour in the eyes of those with whom they have to do. Now I should like to tell you how our nestlings spend Sunday. It is a very happy day in Christian homes, and I am sure it is a happy day in this great Home. But I must begin with Saturday evenings. Shortly after dinner washing begins, for every child must have a warm bath, and be thoroughly cleansed; then, as each one is undressed to go to bed, its clothes are well brushed, neatly folded, and laid into a basket; and the Sunday ones arranged ready for the morning. When morning comes, at seven o'clock there is a stir in the little beds, and the clean faces pop up, and one after another turn out of bed; and soon there is a happy bustle of washing and dressing, and then the elder ones make the beds and lay the breakfast, and at nine o'clock all sit down to the tables. After this, while all keep their places, the matron talks a little to them about the Sabbath-day, and the way in which little children can serve God. Then she reads a chapter, and prays. After this the children go into the play-ground, and walk about, learning hymns, or singing, or reading, for half-an-hour; then they have to dress for church. Even the little ones go every Sunday. None remain at home,

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CHAPTER IV. GOD'S CARE. He maketh the storm a calm." E have spoken of the enemies of these dear children; we had often thought that some attack might be made upon them, but for seven months they were allowed to come and go unmolested, and we began to think it would always be so, and perhaps we were forgetting who it is that sends the peace and quietness, and so trial came. On Sunday night, May the 6th, about half-past eight, when the little children were just going to bed, a rattling sound was heard on the roof, then another, then another, and then a window was broken by the blow of a large stone. The stones seemed to be coming from the front, and so the matron gathered the children together in the back. They were very much frightened, but they knew God could defend them, and they knelt in prayer. The

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 45 died a most happy death. Her teacher got admission for the two little children into the Nest. Leave thy fatherless children," Jesus says, "I will preserve them." It is He who takes them up and blesses them; but it is by human hands, yours and mine, little children;-wE take them, and nurse them for Him. Here are three children I must tell you about, a girl and two boys. Their history is a very sad and strange one. They were of a respectable class in life, and their father ought to have earned plenty of money for their support; but he was a drunkard. That fearful curse of families, drink, had taken his senses away, and his love for his wife and children was turned to hatred. After persecuting them in many ways, he at last went so far as to take the three children, and go away altogether from his poor wife. Night came, and they did not return, and the poor mother mourned alone. Months passed away; she earned a livelihood by needlework, but tears so often dimmed her eyes, that she could get but little. One day she received an anonymous letter, saying that the writer had seen the three children in the County Wicklow. The poor mother set off to the place named, and after some difficulty, she got her three dear ones, and brought them to her poor home. She found from the children that a priest had taken them, and she was so angry that

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DAILY WORK. 71 LITTLE LIGHTS. Jrsus bids us shine With a pure, clear light Like a little candle Burning in the night; In the world of darkness, So we must shine, You in your small corner, And I in mine. Jesus bids us shine First of all for Him; Well He sees and knows it, If our light grow dim: He looks down from heaven To see us shine, You in your small corner, And I in mine. Jesus bids us shine Then-for all around, For many kinds of darkness In the world are found: There's sin, there's want and sorrow, So we must shine, You in your small corner, And I in mine.

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INTRODUCTORY. 13 Is there a thing beneath the skies O'er which the gentle Saviour yearns, Which finds such favour in His eyes, Whose tearful cry He never spurns ? It is that little thing so wild, A podr, neglected, lonely child. Oh teach that little one to sing The numbers tuneful, soft and clear, Hosanna to the Shepherd bring, Such as that Shepherd loves to hearSuch as He heard when meek He rode To Salem, His ordain'd abode. Such as His gracious ear again Shall welcome from young hearts set free, Whom THOU hast rescued from the chain Of sin and woe; hast taught to flee To Him who left yon heavenly land To take a wanderer by the hand." 6,

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188 SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. thinking of death and heaven, and asking themselves the question, Who will be the next? If I should be called, am I ready? Ten days afterwards another was called; but if any one of us had been asked to say beforehand which it would be, we should never have chosen Mary Anne M'Cormaic. She was one of the most healthy children in the Nest, never having had a day's illness. The last evening of her life she was playing gaily with Mrs. O'Neil's baby. None could have guessed how near she was to another world. In the night she awoke the girl next to her, complaining of sickness, but was soon better, and went to sleep. At seven in the morning she was found dead, her hands clenched. The doctor, who was immediately called, said it was a fit. Mary Anne was a reserved child; her deepest feelings were hidden; but she knew Jesus, and tried to live so as to please Him. By these two sudden deaths Jesus has spoken solemnly to all our hearts-" Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." God grant that each child reading this little book may now begin to follow Jesus; so that, whenever death may come, friends left behind may be able to rejoice in "sure and certain hope." Many others of our dear children have safely reached

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IIO GOD'S PROVIDINGS. but there was no disputing a mother's rights, and poor Biddy had to go straight to the poorhouse. There she met a little girl, an orphan like herself. She made friends with her, and very soon Mary had learned of the love or the Saviour, and joined her friend in her prayers and faith. The mother, too, began to love the hymns Biddy sang to her, and she learned to repeat, God so loved the world,' &c.; and then, in answer to Biddy's earnest prayers, God gave her His Holy Spirit, and she, too, learned to love Jesus, and trust Him; and then He took her to himself, and Biddy returned to the Home, bringing with her the orphan Mary. This story has given us courage in many a time of trial at the Nest: when little children, who had been with us long, and had learned to love the Lord Jesus and follow Him, have been claimed by some relatives, and taken away to some convent school. It seems so very sad; and when such a thing is threatened, the children pray that their school-fellow may be spared to them; but at last the child is forced away. At such times we think of Biddy's work in the poorhouse, and pray that our nestlings may have courage to speak of Jesus wherever they may be. "A few weeks ago a girl of about fifteen years of age applied for admission at the Luke Street School. She said she had no friends; her father and mother had been Pro-

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172 "A PILGRIM GOING HOME." "That is not mine now," she said"I'm a pilgrim GOING OME All that night she continued in the same beautiful frame of mind. When they gave her a little wine, she drank it, then said, "No more. I '11 drink no more till I drink in the kingdom of God." Once she said, "I'11 give such a knock at the gate! No, no; I forgot, I shall have no need to knock-the gate is always open." Early on Monday morning I was again with her. She was much weaker, and expressed a great wish to see the friend who had been, as she said, a mother to her. We sent for her, and as soon as possible she came. Dear Annie took her hand, and thanked her for all her love and kindness. Seeing a tear, she said, "You must not fret. I shall be happy. When I get to heaven I shall see my' father; I'11 tell him how good you've been to me." At intervals through the day she spoke, continuing in the same happy state. Often she asked, "Do you think they'll come soon? Oh, I want to go to God." In the afternoon I had to leave her to attend to other duties, but one of her kind friends took my place. After a time of much suffering, during which she said not a murmuring word, she felt easier. She looked up at her friend, and said, "Do you know why I am so much better?"

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GOING FORWARD. 35 But the pump was soon set up, and all was put in order. I only wish all the readers of this book could now visit The Birds' Nest; I think they would all agree in thinking it the very happiest home for poor children they ever saw; and a noble monument to the memory of her who first thought of having a Birds' Nest, and of her dear mother, the late Mrs. Whately, who, while the building was being erected, left her earthly labours to enter her heavenly rest. Mother and daughter had been united in works of self-denying love in their lives: it was fitting that their names should be associated in so appropriate a memorial. HYMN SUNG AT THE OPENING OF THE BIRDS' NEST. THERE is a better world they say, Oh! so bright! Where sin and death are done away, Oh! so bright! There music fills the balmy air, And angels with bright wings are there, And harps of gold, and mansions fair, Oh! so bright! No clouds e'er pass along its sky, Happy land! No teardrops glisten in the eye, Happy land

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146 CALLED AND CHOSEN. But many there are who learn to know the gentle voice of the Good Shepherd, and to follow Him. Some time ago a Scripture Reader, out on his daily rounds of visiting, entered a room in which there were two children, a girl and a boy. The girl was about eight years old; she hung down her head, and looked cross, and did not like to be spoken to. The little boy was about six; he had a noble forehead, and deep blue eyes, and he gave very nice answers to the questions which were put to him. Both children looked miserably poor and dirty, and the room in which they lived was more miserable and dirty still. Before the Reader left he had taught the little boy to repeat that nice little text you all know, "Suffer little children to come to me;" and both of them had promised to attend the Ragged School in the Coombe. With the girl it was only a promise, but Pat was soon one of the brightest little boys in the infant school; he liked all the lessons very much, but the texts and little hymns he loved more than all. Pat had not been attending the school long when a great persecution was raised against it. Every morning a large mob assembled in the street to try and keep the children from going in. Many little children were carried off to strange schools in distant parts of the town, and left

150 CALLED AND CHOSEN. In another corner of the room was a fire-place with a few smouldering cinders in it; and close up to the grate, with his face nearly touching it, sat poor little Pat upon a small bundle of rags-a poor neglected child, his face as black as the cinders which surrounded him, his hair uncombed and uncared, and his clothes worn since they had been sent to him, some weeks before, never even taken off. When he saw us a look of joy passed over his poor little face, for he had often seen us in the Ragged School, although we did not know him from amongst the other children. I said to him, "Would you not like to go to the hospital again?" No," he said; "I am going to a better place." "And what is that place ?" Heaven." "Do you love Jesus ?" "Yes; He died for me." "And what is Jesus doing for you now?" He is making intercession at the right hand of God." "And where did you learn about Jesus and heaven?" "In the Ragged School; I learnt it all there." Ah! how many little children have been taken from that Coombe Ragged School to glory; and when they meet together in the promised land, they will join Pat in saying, "I learnt it all there."

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HOLLY AND IVY. PART I. -00--oo-CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTORY. OLLY AND IVY! the very words make us feel cold, and yet warm. How they remind one of the snow-covered fields, and the keen, biting winds of winter! How they remind one, too, of times of joy, and happy homes, and brightness in the midst of desolation! SThis little book will tell of the dreary winter time of the lives of destitute little children-of their sorrows and troubles. It also tells of brightness and joy, and a happy home; and so I have chosen those magic words for its title. I hope it will find its way into many Christian homes, and be read by many of those dear children who

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168 "A PILGRIM GOING HOME." them, who had come from the Birds' Nest, had very sore eyes; and Annie was so glad when we lent her storybooks to read aloud to the blind one. It was while Annie was in this ward that Mary Jane died. Annie told me she should not be afraid when death came to her, if she thought she should die like Mary Jane. When summer time came Annie grew better, and she returned to the Birds' Nest,,to the great joy of the dear children there: but she did not stay very long. In the beginning of August she had a very severe attack of illness. We thought she would have died then. She was not at all afraid; her trust was in Jesus. From this illness she partially recovered, but was soon again an inmate of an hospital, where she remained a short time. It did not seem likely that she would ever be well, and so, instead of sending her back to the Birds' Nest, she was put to lodge with a kind old Christian woman who could nurse her and comfort her last days. You see her pilgrim path was a very rough one, but she had placed her hand in that of Jesus, and she knew He would guide her right. From this time Annie's health rapidly declined. She suffered a great deal of pain, but was so very patient through it all, it was quite a pleasure to do anything for her. Her trust in Jesus was unshaken,

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36 GOING FORWARD. They drink the gushing streams of grace, They gaze upon the Saviour's face, Whose glory fills the holy place, Happy land! And wicked things and beasts of prey Come not there! And ruthless death and fierce decay Come not there! There all are holy, all are good; But hearts unwashed in Jesus' blood, And guilty sinners unrenewed, Come not there! But though we're sinners every one, Jesus died! And though our crown of peace is gone, Jesus died! We may be cleansed from every stain, May all be clothed with peace again, And in that land of pleasure reign, Jesus died! This world is oft so dark and drear, Take us there! We ne'er can be so happy here, Take us there! Oh! listen to that music sweet, It comes so rich from yonder seat, Where all the saints in glory meet, Take us there!" -4SS^^&y,

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DAILY WORK. 63 and infants,-each company marching into its respective school. And now begins new work,-mental work,cheerful, happy seeking for the knowledge of which many of the dear children were deprived so long. In any section of these schools you may have sweet hymns sung by first and second voices in beautiful harmony; you will get wonderful answering in Scripture texts and doctrine; and you will be surprised to find how much lessons are loved. While lessons are going on the kitchen presents a busy scene, for there dinner is preparing, not only for the 190 nestlings, but for their teachers and helpers besides. The dinners are very simple,-potatoes and milk, or pease soup, two days; meat in broth, two days; cold meat and potatoes, one day; fish or bacon, with vegetables, one day; and on Sundays, tea and bread and butter. At ten minutes to one six of the elder girls come out of school to lay the tables; and at one the great troop marches in, each child knowing its own place, and quietly taking it. The bell rings for silence, and then all voices join in singing"Be present at our table, Lord;" and then begins the clatter of knives and forks or spoons, and the pleasant murmur of happy voices. At any moment a touch of the bell brings silence; and this is a very

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144 SAFE AT HOME. Should I not, then, happy be, Since He takes such care of me? 'And when these bright days are ended, By good angels then attended, In His arms He 'll take me home, Never forth again to roam." Oh yes! Janey is now no more a helpless wanderer, but safe at home with Jesus, in the land where the inhabitants are never sick.

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I74 "A PILGRIM GOING HOME." HYMN. "We speak of the realms of the blest, That country so bright and so fair, And oft are its glories confessedBut what must it be to be there We speak of its pathways of gold, Its walls decked with jewels so rare, Its wonders and pleasures untoldBut what must it be to be there! We speak of its peace and its love, The robes which the glorified wear, The songs of the blessed aboveBut what must it be to be there I We speak of its freedom from sin, From sorrow, temptation, and care, From trials without and withinBut what must it be to be there Do thou, Lord, 'midst pleasures or woes, For heaven our spirit prepare, That shortly we also may know And feel what it is to be there !"

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A CONTRAST. 177 fort her afresh. The afternoon of the day on which she died, her brother and sister went to see her. They were greatly shocked at the change in their darling sister, but they said nothing about that; silently they sat beside the bed. Carry spoke first: "I'm going to die," she said. Charley asked: Are you afraid?" No," said the little one; "I'm going to Jesus." Charley asked again: Are you sure your sins are forgiven?" "Yes, quite sure;' she said; "good-bye." No more was said, and the brother and sister went away. Carry was followed to the grave by a large number of the children of the Mission Schools, (it was too far for the nestlings to come,) and they sang around her grave her favourite hymn, feeling sure Carry was with the dear Jesus she so much loved. M

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42 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. And the mother consented. And when the children were all away, she went out to look for work. When they all came back in the evening there was news to tell; for the little ones had greatly enjoyed the lessons, and the hymns, and the nice dinner Mrs. Rprovides for the hungry ones every day, from October to April. And day by day things improved in that poor home. And when the father came out of hospital, he had to hear the whole story; and the children sang some hymns for him, and repeated their texts; and the poor man said, "I wish I could go to that school too." "So you can," said Johnny. "On Sunday I saw men as big as you, father, and older, sitting in classes, and learning their verses just like the children." And the father went with Johnny, and he liked what he learned so much that he never misses a Sunday now, -always in his place. But he is so crippled that he cannot work enough to support all four, and Johnny and his little brother have found a home in the Birds' Nest. Amongst our very little girls there are some who have suffered much; one little girl left utterly alone, her mother having been taken to prison. The poor child wandered about, no one caring for her, until a poor woman, whose children attended a Ragged School, had compassion upon

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 99 for the vacancies; and then they thought they must, if possible, get more beds. There was a very small room that could be spared, and they thought it would just be possible to put five little beds into it. But then there was no money to buy the beds! Still the ladies said, God is sending us these poor desolate children; we must take care of them; He will provide the means." They did not know it; but while they were talking this way, a young lady in England was writing a letter, and in it she was putting a bank order for five pounds. She had written a little poem, and she had sold it, and she had got all this profit; and she was sending it to me, and asking that it might be used for some special want at the Birds' Nest. This letter arrived the very next morning; and when we calculated the price of five little iron beds, and five pairs of blankets, and a little sack of straw, we found they would exactly come to five pounds. So first we thanked God, and then we ordered the beds; and now five of the good, well-trained children sleep in them, and five of the new comers have taken their places in the large dormitory. Of course there would arise some little difficulty about the feedihg of five extra children, but this also was provided. When the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to the poor widow of Zarephath to be fed, He increased the meal in the barrel, so as to make it enough for all the family.

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74 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. bish, and that was all that could be done in that room for that day at least, and the work was finished. Not so in the kitchen. There a number of the elder girls, headed by the kind matron, Miss Howard,* were most busily engaged all day long, making those most wonderful things, plum puddings! It was eleven o'clock before they all got to bed; but no matter, they were all too excited to be sleepy. And very early on Christmas morning the little ones were roused, that there might be time for much extra combing, and washing, and dressing; really I do think the big girls had made up their minds that every little face should be polished so as to be a regular looking-glass, reflecting the brightness around. But all this washing and dressing was over by breakfast time; and then the children went to church, all except a few elder girls, who had to stay at home to lay the tables. This was accomplished with even more care than usual. The cloths were quite clean, and the knives and forks polished up in a marvellous manner. The meat was roasting in the kitchen, and the puddings were boiling in the boiler, when the little ones came home from church; and they were all seated in their places at Miss Howard was the kind friend who undertook the office of matron when we first got into the new Nest.

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NOT ALONE. 137 The journey of seven miles. into town was a very trying one to poor Emily; but God supported her, and she spoke of Jesus as if He were present with them. She handed her little Bible to Mr. F-, and asked him to read the 14th chapter of John, about the mansions prepared. When he got to the end of the fourth verse he stoppedtears were rolling down her poor little face. She said aloud, "Yes, Lord, you have prepared a place for me, and you have a crown of glory to give me the moment my soul leaves this poor body. Oh that you would convert my father and my mother, that they also might be with me in that place that God has prepared for those that love Him!" The latter part of the journey the poor child was too weary to speak. At length they reached the hospital. It was very hard to part with one with whom she had spent so long a time, and to be left alone in a little solitary ward, under the care of a strange nurse. Yet even here she felt she was walking with Jesus. It was Saturday evening when Emily was left in the hospital, and early on Monday, fearing she would be unhappy, I went to see her, She was lying calmly in her little bed, one of her own sweet smiles brightening up her face. I said to her, "Do you feel lonely, now you have left all your Kingstown friends?" "Not now,"

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THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 89 be, We should see a little girl in a beautiful castle; she is learning to hem; it is hard work, but for every halfyard she will get a penny to put in her Birds' Nest box. We should see a sick little boy in a garret in London; he is hoarding up farthings, and trying to fill a little bag for the nestlings. We should see many groups of children to whom God has given bounteously: they are gathered around some kind friend, busy sewing, and on the table lies the money box, into which they have put their weekly contributions, and beside it a letter, in large characters, written by their own nestling. We should see classes of little children in infants' schools trying to put very little stitches into their bits of calico, for they are to be sewed together one day to make a quilt to send to the Birds' Nest. We should see happy parties preparing Christmas tree sales, and lonely children doing what they can. And better than all, we should see little groups met for prayer. Dear children, you who have enrolled yourselves members of this great Children's Association, don't look upon your work as small or unimportant. It is your Father's business "-the work He has given you to do. He has need of your services. You want Jesus to save you, and make you ready for His glorious home; and Jesus wants you to minister to His poor. Oh! it is a blessed service,

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1o6 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. I said, 'we will talk to Jesus about it .first. I am sure He won't let His little children go hungry.' Then we had a great talk about prayer; how Jesus listens and answers; and how each little one could help to pray. After that, the Matron said it was sweet to see the little ones at prayer, and to hear their earnest petitions: 'O God, send money for the bread;' 'Jesus, send money to pay the baker;' 'Give us this day our daily bread.' One little boy would stand at the door in the morning, and ask each little one as it went out,' Did you pray for the bread ?' and if it had forgotten, it would return to its bed-side. "Now, did God, the great God, really listen to those children's prayers ? Would He care to give them exactly what they asked for? He did. Just ten days after that talk, an old gentleman, who did not know of our needs, had a thought put into his heart, and he said to his wife, 'I want to give something to the Birds' Nest.' Some one in the room suggested that he should send a gift of clothing. 'No,' said he, 'I will give money for bread, and for nothing else.' And very soon that lady was the bearer of a cheque for £1oo, £20 of which was for the Boys' Home, and £80 FOR BREAD AT THE BIRDS' NEST. As soon as possible I went to Kingstown to tell the good news. The little children gathered around and listened with varied expressions;-some had bright tears of joy in

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154 CALLED AND CHOSEN. make her remember his words, and she may learn to give up every false hope, and rest alone on Jesus. One day some little girls went to see poor little Pat. One of them brought some bonbons, which had been given to herself; another, a toy. He was greatly pleased with these things, and he repeated some hymns for them; and he told them where he was going, and how happy he expected to be in heaven. He said that Jesus had a harp and crown, and a white robe, waiting for him. One of the little girls could hardly help crying when she saw how thin Pat was; but they were both very happy to think that he would soon be where there will be no more pain. It was quite wonderful how much knowledge of God's Word Pat had, though he could not read. In the Mission Schools they have a little paper, with one hundred texts marked upon it, for the children to learn. This little boy could repeat all of these; and besides, his memory was full of Bible lessons, from histories and parables which he had been taught. He always kept his Testament under his pillow, that any one who visited him might read for him. The clergyman to whom Pat sent his "good-bye" from the hospital went to see him, and talked a long time with him. Before he went away he asked what he

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CALLED AND. CHOSEN. 15I We asked Pat why he thought God had sent him his sickness. "Because of sin," he said; I think He is angry with me." We explained to him that it was sent in love, not in anger; for "whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth." This satisfied him; he had great faith in the Saviour's love. Before we came away I shewed the little boy a flannel waistcoat which I had brought for him; he stroked it with his little wasted fingers, and said, "Thank you; I shall be warm now." I felt very thankful to be permitted to join the angels in ministering to this heir of glory. The next time I went to see the poor little boy I found him lying on the bit of straw in the corner. I had brought with me a soft sponge, a towel, and a small piece of scented soap, which I thought would tempt him to wash; for he said before that it hurt him; and I'm sure it did, he was so very thin. He was quite delighted with the nice things, and ever afterwards was as clean as one could wish. I knelt down beside his bed to talk to him, for his voice was weak, and it was difficult to hear what he said. I asked him if he felt happy. "Yes, very," he said. "I 'm going to heaven." And why do you like to go there ?"

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WANDERERS WELCOMED. 159 "only pay for two; still she thought it better to do.that than all starve together. She took the two little girls and put them to lodge with a clean, tidy woman, and told her husband he must mind Mary and Bobby. He said he would; and the mother went to a place in the country. There was very soon a great improvement in the appearance' of the two little girls; but poor Mary and Bobby grew more and more worn and miserable. Their case was brought before the Committee of the Birds' Nest. They agreed to receive them; and a message was sent to the lady who had applied for them. That very day, at three o'clock, Mary and Bobby went to their wretched home from school. The woman with whom their father had placed them met them at the door, and told them they should not come there any more, that their father had not been heard of for two days. With aching hearts and tearful eyes they turned from the door; they thought they would go to .the woman who minded their sisters, perhaps she would have compassion on them. But no: I have children of my own," she said; "and your mother can only pay for two." Poor Mary and Bobby, what will they do now ? They

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90 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. enough to make any one happy who enlists in it; but it must be done from a right motive,-to be real service it must begin with the heart. If you listen to Jesus saying, My son, give me thy heart," and you obey Him in that, you will soon give Him your hands too. Sometimes children and young people take up a cause in great earnestness, and work with zeal for a while, and then-they forget-or they don't like the trouble-or there is something else to do. Their kindness passes away. I was very much struck one day by a remark of one of our little nestlings. We had a great number of collectors at the Nest. There was a "Holly and Ivy" tea-party, and after the tea there was a magic-lantern with dissolving views. A large group of the little nestlings was gathered on a raised platform behind the sheet, and I was sitting amongst them, very much amused at their delight. One little thing who was sitting close beside me kept stroking my hand, and manifesting her affection in many childish ways. She watched the pictures melting one into another for some time. Then she suddenly looked up at me and said, "Don't 'oo go and change." "Why," I said, "how could I change?" "'Oo so kind now," she said. It was a wonderful saying. I looked at the child with a feeling of reverence, and I said to myself, I must

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92 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. upon you now, and longing to have you for His own. He says to you, "My son, give me thine heart." He says to you, too, Son, go work to-day in my vineyard." There is a multitude to be fed-only Jesus knows how it is to be done; but are there not many of you who are like the lad who had five barley loaves and two small fishes ?" Well, bring them to Jesus; He will accept, and make them sufficient. We must never leave our rescued children unfed, unclothed, and uncomforted. Our "Holly and Ivy" must be true evergreen, only looking fresher, and sparkling brighter, for the depth of the winter time, and the desolation around. But it does not grow of itself, therefore we want many hands to gather and bring it. If you want useful workif you want pleasant work-come and help us to brighten up the lives of desolate little children; come and help to supply THE HOLLY AND IVY.

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140 NOT ALONE. And now dear Emily seemed to be rapidly passing away. We visited her very often. One day one said to her, I'll come again to-morrow." With a sweet smile she said, "I may be at home to-morrow; but we'll soon meet above, and, oh! won't I have a welcome for you there!" Another day her wasted hand was lying outside her bed, and one said, "Poor little hand, how thin it is!" Never mind," she said, it will be fashioned like unto His glorious body." On one of the last days of her life she sent a message to her former schoolfellows. She said, "Tell all who remember me to come to Jesus; tell them that, in my dying hour, He is more to me than all His promises. I am dying; but, oh! tell them all to come to Jesus." Thus lived dear Emily; and one morning, when we went to the hospital, she was gone. Her sweet face was not any whiter than usual, but there was the settled calm of death upon it. We could not but rejoice for our Emily. She had"Reached the sunny shore, All her toil and griefs were o'er; She would never suffer more Over there."

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CHAPTER IX. THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. "The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all."PROV. xxii. 2. E have told a great deal about the Birds' Nest, and the children who have there found a home. Now we want to tell something about the way in which children in many places have joined together to support them; but I should like all, especially the little ones, to remember, that every good thing we are enabled to do is of God-it is He "who worketh in us both to will and to do." What a wonderful thing it is that He should let us be sharers in His great work He could do it all without us, even as He said, Let there be light, and there was light." But, in His wonderful mercy, He takes us, a band of feeble people and little children, into partnership with himself, and gives us strength to labour, and then gives us such rewards. When our dear friend, Mrs. George Wale, died, some of her work fell into my hands,-the preparation of the

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122 WRITTEN ON READING THE FIRST EDITION OF "HOLLY AND IVY." HOLLY AND IVY and Christmas Trees Are linked in the Birdies' memories With faces of friends, whose voices mild Oft soothed the wayward orphan child. Ivy and Holly, in years to come, Will tell of our childhood's happy home, Where loving friends, in sorrowful hour, Led weary steps to this cheery bow'r; They '11 recall the texts and hymns we learn'd While within the "Birds' Nest" we sojourn'd! Ye freely gave us raiment and food, And our young hearts stored with all things good,Ye sow6d seed without thought of gain,In God's good time it will yield you grain. Nought can vwe give but our orphan love. May the orphan's pray'r be heard above!

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44 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. holding the hand of a little one between them; they seem very happy together. The two elder have been in the Nest some time; the younger has just come. Their mother, too, was a Christian. Their father had deserted them long ago, and the mother worked for their support as long as she could. At last she was attacked by an incurable disease, and obliged to put her children in the poorhouse and go to hospital. Her sufferings were very great, but the thoughts of her dear little boys, surrounded by the influences of the most depraved of characters, was worse. She could only lay the burden on Jesus. At length some of the lady visitors heard about these children, and they applied to our Committee; and first the two little fellows were got out of the poorhouse, then the third, and there are not three happier children in the Nest. The mother is dead now, but her boys have found a home. Two other children lately admitted had a Christian mother. Years ago she came, a poor, dark Roman Catholic, to the Townsend Street Sunday School. She liked what she learned, and she came again and again. One by one every false hope was given up, and at last she was enabled to lay her sins on Jesus, and trust only in Him. Her little children were regular attendants at the Luke Street Infants' School. A few months ago this poor woman had to go to the Hospital for Incurables, where she

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GOD'S CARE. .25 pelting of stones continued two whole hours, and in the morning was renewed; but not a child was hurt. On Tuesday evening, as the children were sitting at their supper in the back room, a large stone came in at the window, just grazed the ear of one child, and passed close to the mistress's head as she was stooping down. It was very remarkable that the little ones who usually sat along that window had been put to bed an hour before their usual time. Had they been there one, at least, must have been killed. See how God watches over His children, and guides them even in small things! On Wednesday four extra police were sent to guard the house,-two in front, and two at the back. The pelting ceased, and it was never discovered who threw the stones; but when ladders were got to clear the roof, thirty-two stones were found, some five and a-half pounds weight! It was very wonderful that no little child was hurt. No, not wonderful! Does not Jesus say, "The very hairs of your head are all numbered ? A few days after this storm I was at The Birds' Nest, and talking to the children about it, I said, But how is it no one was hurt?" They all looked very serious, and one little girl said, "Sure, ma'am, it was the Lord took care of us!"

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162 WANDERERS WELCOMED. smile on the face of my little friend. I'm happy now," she said; "1I know I '11 go to heaven." And then, when I questioned her, she said she felt her sins were laid on Jesus. Oh! how my heart rejoiced with her! A few days after, when I again visited the hospital, the Nurse said to me, "There's such a change in Mary Jane; she has given up fretting." To be sure she had. She had found peace in Jesus; why should she fret? and there, hung up before her, was one of those "Silent Comforters," with a hymn turned down little Mary had learned to love. It begins"A mind at perfect peace with God; Oh what a word is this A sinner reconciled through blood, This, this indeed is peace." And then the last verse"Why should I over careful be, Since such a God is mine ? He watches o'er me night and day, And tells me mine is thine." So for one fortnight Mary Jane lay calmly waiting for Jesus; but she did not expect to be called very soon. On Wednesday, the 24th of December, when the doctor was with her, she looked very earnestly at him. When he was gone, she said to the Nurse, "Nurse, I'm going to die."

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 55 Twelve months afterwards a very respectable-looking man came to the Birds' Nest inquiring for three children, answering to the description of these three. He said his wife had come to Ireland with them, and he, not hearing from her, had given up his situation to look for her. He had traced her to Dublin, and then to the Birds' Nest, where he found his lost little ones. He was in great delight to find them so well taken care of, and begged that we would still take care of the motherless little ones. He would go to service, and save all he could to help to pay for them. So Polly, and Conny, and Tommy remain in the happy home where they first found rest after their trials and wanderings. Another little child we have taken under like circumstances. The father went to America some time ago. The mother was to follow as soon as the baby was a little older. She had a situation as servant, where she was allowed to keep the baby; but the poor woman fell into ill-health and died. The lady did what she could for the child, denying herself many comforts that it might be fed and clothed. Now she is very ill herself, and so we have taken her little charge. And if the father ever is heard of again, he will be very glad to get his little girl safe. If not, we trust she will meet him in the beautiful land, where

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I86 SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. with us, little more than a week ago. We feel truly thankful that we were privileged to give the 'cup of water,' and thereby render more bright and cheerful her last few years on earth. Her memory will be long cherished by us. "The brief life of this young disciple is, I think, a beautiful example of what a Christian child may be; and her sudden removal speaks to all. When the summons came it found her ready, and she calmly fell asleep in Jesus. We often felt anxious about her future, knowing how helpless she would be in undertaking any employment like other girls; but her Master knew this better than we did. He saw that the tender plant was unfit to bear the chilling winds of earth, and He gathered the lily, that it might freely bloom in the genial atmosphere above. Shall we not rejoice and say, It is well with the child.' "Believe me, truly yours, ELIZABETH V. PHIBBS." Another friend adds a few particulars:" DEAR MADAM,-I thank you for the letter relative to Sarah Towel, which I received yesterday, and have forwarded to the Rev. E. B, of M, from whose parish the poor child came. I cannot but feel very

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I ju MANY SPARROWS ~A~ it

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132 NOT ALONE. that they might help in the cruel work of persecution. But no one minded these wicked stories, because they all saw by her life what she was. As spring came on it was thought good that Emily should spend a short time in the country, and her kind doctor provided the means. A lodging was procured for her at Kingstown with a Christian family, and it was with great joy she removed there. For a little time she was able to sit out in the small garden, and enjoy the sunshine and the songs of the birds; and it was so pleasant to sit beside her, and hear her'talk of heaven. She had a great store of hymns, and used to repeat them when they would express her feelings better than her own words. She was very thankful that she had learned by heart so many hymns and texts; but it often troubled her that she could not easily find the places of the texts she loved. A great many she could find, because in the Mission Schools all the children learn the place when they learn the verse; but many a text she had heard had sunk into her heart, and she longed to find these. She would often have quite a store of them in her mind, waiting till some of her loved friends should come in; then she would say, Please find some texts for me." One day she asked for three most beautiful ones-" The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms;" "His left hand is under my

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 97 distress; but God just used whom He would: to Him be the glory. Two collections were made by mothers on their deathbeds. They looked at their own children, so soon to be orphans, and then they thought of the hungry orphans, and their last strength was spent in helping them. Another time that God helped us in trouble was early in the year. Funds were coming in very slowly, and there was not enough to buy food for the children; still they must be fed, and our Treasurer advanced up to £80. At that time some little children met to pray on a Sunday evening; they asked God that this £80 might be sent. During that week a gentleman said he would give £Io, if the rest was got in a month. The following Sunday the children prayed again, and that week £20 came. Again the children prayed, and that week a lady called and left £50, refusing to give her name. "The Lord sent it," she said. Yes, indeed, the Lord did send it, in answer to the children's prayers. In these early times we had an instance of God's kind care about clothing. One day in August the Matron went to the lady who manages the clothing, and she said, "We want under-garments for the girls very much indeed; I have got the old ones patched and darned, but they won't last any longer." "How many do you want?" G

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 59 On the cross He died for sinners Full of sin and cheerless, And He waits to take you to Him; Come, oh come, then, fearless. Meekly bow before His throne, All your sins and sorrows own. TO THE WANDERERS' FRIENDS. OH kind friends, help us in pity, There are very many Orphans wander through the city Without e'en a penny. Give us of your bounteous store, Give to those distressed and poor. And our Lord will bless the giver, For His grace is endless; Therefore, friends, where'er you be, Try to help the friendless. Christ will say, when life is o'er, "' Come, for you have helped my poor." One of the Collectors.

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"CALLED AND CHOSEN. 157 THE HOMELAND. The Homeland the Homeland The land of the free-bornThere's no night in the Homeland, But aye the fadeless morn. I'm sighing for the Homeland,My heart is aching here; There's no night in the Homeland To which I'm drawing near. My Lord is in the Homeland, With angels bright and fair; There's no sin in the Homeland, And no temptation there. The music of the Homeland Is ringing in my ears; And when I think of the Homeland, My eyes gush out with tears. For those I love in the Homeland Are calling me away, To the rest and peace of the Homeland, And the life beyond decay. There's no death in the HomelandThere's no sorrow above! Christ bring us all to the Homeland Of His eternal love 1

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40 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. sense, but it was want of food made her look stupid." So it was. She is now one of our pleasantest and most useful children. One time, when forty-five of the children had measles, one was dangerously ill. I asked her, Had she any friends I could write to? I haven't got none," she said; "only Mrs. S-." "And where did she get you?" I asked. -" In the ragged school." This dear girl got quite well. She is now in service, and saves a tenth of her small earnings to give to the .Birds' Nest. Another dear girl, now a useful servant, came to us a poor little wanderer, so starved. We put her in a tub of warm water and washed her, and then cut her hair, and dressed her. She had not been long in the Nest before her cheeks grew round, and her eyes bright, and she could laugh with the merriest. Just a few weeks ago we took in two bright, black-eyed boys. I will tell their story. One day last winter a poor labouring man, the father of four children, fell from a ladder and was seriously hurt; he was carried to an hospital, and attended with care and skill. The poor wife went to see him, and her grief was great to see him suffer so; and when she went home, the little children gathered around her to hear all about it.

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 49 through the little books; but that does not make my own share any the less"For we must share, if we would keep That good thing from above; Ceasing to give, we cease to have; Such is the law of love." Of Eddy BI must tell the whole story. He was a dear little fellow, too young for the Nest, but his father died in the hospital, a believer in Jesus; his only care was for his children; they had a very bad mother. A Christian friend promised they should be cared for, and the poor man died satisfied. The little girl was taken into the Nest, but Eddy was too young, only a baby. We put him to be nursed by a kind old woman. As soon as the mother saw him well dressed she took him away, sold his clothes, and after a little while went with him into the poorhouse. Some years passed away, when one day a Scripture Reader met the woman begging with the child. She said she had been three weeks without a place to lie down at night. She said she was very sorry for her conduct, and if we would take the boy she would get work. For the sake of the promise to the dying father, we took Eddy; and a little girl in the South of England adopted him. Some months passed away,-happy months for Eddy,-and then his D

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46 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. she determined never to go to chapel again. In this state she was visited by the Town Missionaries, and they told her of One who cared for her in all her poverty and trials -one who, if she trusted in Him, would never leave nor forsake her. They gave her a Bible, which she promised to read. After this she was visited by priests and nuns, who promised her all sorts of things if she would return and give up her children. She refused everything; but work grew more scanty, and she found it hard to feed so many. Happily for the children, they got a good breakfast every morning in the Luke Street Ragged School, and sometimes a piece of bread before they went home. One day the priest visited the mother, and found her reading the Bible; he snatched it from her, and threw it into the fire. She rescued it. Her trials were very great and varied; she could not stand against them; and her poor room was without furniture,-an old box served for a table, and the bed was a little straw in a corner of the room. It was very hard for those who had seen better days. The Missionaries made known the case, and admission was obtained for the children into the Nest, and a light situation found for the mother. Nothing has been heard of the father for many months. We hope these dear children will be left with us. They are nice, clean, well-mannered little things, and very fond of each other.

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114 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. well cooked; that the house is kept clean; that the children are neatly dressed; that the coals are not wasted. She has to be wondrously wise, and kind, and patient, and loving, and active. The Matron who had been with us four years, got into delicate health, and her work became a burden to her. We gave her a little holiday, but it did not make her well, and then she resigned. Now, who do you think was quite ready to take her place? The very one who had been the Matron in the little cottage long ago. She had been mistress of the large Mission Infants' School since, and had lately been married to one of the town missionaries. She was very glad indeed to go back to her old post. Her little children do not hinder her in her mother-work for the birdies, and they give plenty of occupation in play-hours to the little girls who love babies. And the good husband is like a father to the boys, taking them out bathing and walking, to their great delight. When it was known that she was to return to the Nest, the woman who had been her helper long ago begged to come too; so we have a hearty, happy officer-staff. Besides the Matron and her helper, there is our assistantmatron. She has been in the Nest since she was a little child. She has such a wonderful talent for keeping presses in order, sewing on strings and buttons, and dressing little boys, that we have never been able to do

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102 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. "As a father giveth, So He gives them bread; Saves them out of danger, Watches by their bed; Tells all little children Of their Father's care; How He loves and pities Children everywhere." Towards the close of the following year we were in great difficulties about funds, and were wonderfully helped. I will copy the account from a little book, called"((NEEDS AND HELPS." It begins with the text, "My God shall supply ALL your need." These words were in my mind when, just one month ago, we chose the title of our new little book. It was a time of very great need; so great, that we felt we dare not tell how great. But we thought of other times of great need out of which our Heavenly Father had delivered us, and we remembered that, year after year, when the accounts of the Birds' Nest had been made up, there was always something in hand, and we knew that God's PROVIDENCE WAS STILL OUR INHERITANCE, and that could not fail; so a little paper was sent around to all the friends, asking for special prayer that again the year might

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22 DARK CLOUDS. burying-place, four miles out of town, the procession increased. There were the Scripture Readers and teachers of the Irish Church Mission Society, a sorrowing troop of boys and girls from the schools, and a group of mothers, with their babies in their arms, who had formed her Sunday School class. These and many others joined the train, and filled the church. Then all assembled round the grave and listened to a solemn address by the Missionary, and as well as they could for tears, they all sang,"Shall we ever all meet again?Yes, we may all meet again, If not on earth, in heaven we may all meet again. Shall we ever all wear a crown?Yes, we may all wear a crown, If not on earth, in heaven we may all wear a crown. Tears shall be all wiped away, If not on earth, in heaven tears shall be all wiped away." It was a solemn scene; and many a heart too sorrowful to join in the singing was raised in prayer, that the spirit of love, so richly given to the departed one, might fall on others, that the destitute ones might not be forgotten; and so it came to pass that many hearts were stirred up, and it was determined that the new building to be erected for The Birds' Nest should be a monument to the memory of Mrs. George Wale.

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WANDERERS WELCOMED. 165 BREST THE WAVE, CHRISTIAN. "Brest the wave, Christian, When it is strongest; Watch for day, Christian, When the night's longest. Onward and upward still Be thine endeavour; The rest that remaineth Will be for ever. Fight the fight, Christian, Jesus is o'er thee; Run the race, Christian, Heaven is before thee. He who hath promised Faltereth never; The love of Eternity Flows on for ever. Lift the eye, Christian, Just as it closeth; Raise the heart, Christian, Ere it reposeth. Thee from the love of Christ Nothing can sever; Mount when thy work is done, Praise Him for ever."

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GOING FORWARD. 29 as they, with clasped hands, stood to sing their grace, and then quietly ate their food, you would have supposed that they had been carefully taught, even from their babyhood. Still we had many difficulties in this crowded house; no baths, no convenience at all for washing either the children or their clothes, a few tubs in the yard being all we could manage; and we were very anxious that a new building should be commenced as soon as possible. In April, 1861, a piece of ground was procured. It was a green field nearly opposite the house the children occupied. Just then the Rev. Alexander Dallas,* who has been so blessed by God in the conversion of Roman Catholics, was coming over from England, and we asked him to lay the foundation-stone; he gladly consented. The day appointed was the I th of April. It was a most lovely day, and the friends who went down to Kingstown from Dublin almost filled a train. When we arrived we walked up first to the old Nest, where the children were all assembled, dressed in their new summer livery. When Mr. Dallas came into the playground they all gathered round him and sang a welcome. He spoke a few This beloved and useful servant of God entered into his rest Dec. 12, 1869. His loss is deeply felt throughout the whole of our country. Of him it may truly be said, "He loved our nation." Be;'

"A PILGRIM GOING HOME." 171 The dear child could not talk much at a time. Only at intervals she spoke her thoughts; some of them were very beautiful. I have been thinking very often of the very first verse you left me to sleep upon,' I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' They are His OWN WORDS." I think the angels will very soon come for me. I shall see Jesus. Don't you think I shall lay my head on His breast?" "Yes," I said, "like John did at the last supper." Only," she said, "I shall have my crownI shall be like HIM." "I shall leave you soon, but we shall have a better meeting than this; there will be no pain nor sorrow." "When you come to heaven, Emily and me will both be at the gate with the angel to welcome you. Oh I wish I was there now!" "Well, dear," I said, "we must wait patiently." "Yes, yes; 'rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him.' Later in the day another friend went to see her. -She put her arms round his neck, and said, "Oh, Mr. H, I'm going to God very fast; pray for me." He prayed, and then talked to her of the things she loved, reminding her of her hymns, referring to one"I'm a pilgrim and a stranger, Rough and thorny is the road."

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CHAPTER VII. A CONTRAST. NE day a lady went to visit in the children's ward of an hospital; she went up to one bed in which was lying a beautiful little girl; her eyes were bright and sparkling, and there was a brilliant colour in her cheeks, but on her lips was an expression of great pain. "You are suffering very much, dear," said the lady. "Yes, it's very bad." "But you know Jesus suffered more for you." "I don't know nothing about Him, but I know His pain could not be like mine." "Don't you love Jesus?" "No; I tell you I don't know nothing about Him." The lady turned to the next bed. "Do you know anything about Jesus, dear?" she asked. "Yes, ma'am, He died for me; I love Him very much," said a gentle voice. The lady was struck with the contrast. "You are from the' Birds' Nest?" she said. "Yes, ma'am; I am Carry B." Carry B.was one of a family of three children

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76 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. for "the trees yield their fruit every month, and there is no night there." But we have not done with Christmas time yet. There were some little children living in England, and they wanted to give pleasure to the poor little nestlings, and they set to work and made a large number of bags, with pincushions and thimbles in them, for the elder girls, and they dressed dolls for the little ones; and when I heard of this, I said, "We must have a Christmas tree to hang all these nice things on." Other children heard of this plan, and they took up the idea, and some sent balls and tops, and some sent little books and markers; and at length there were enough things for each child to have something. I could not tell you what idea the poor little children had of a Christmas tree; some of them had never seen such a thing, and so they puzzled over it till they dreamed about it, and at length made up their minds that it must be something very wonderful indeed. And so it was. We did not set up the tree till one day in January. The children's friend, Mr. Dallas, was coming over, and so we waited for him, for it was to be a regular day of rejoicing. We opened the folding doors, and so made two great rooms into one; and then we set up the tree in the middle. It reached up very high, there were some pretty

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38 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. expected him I had prepared clothes which I thought would have fitted him. But he came-a miserable little object, about the size of a child of three-a poor, worn face; his front teeth gone; his dress-how shall I describe it ? There was a ragged sort of cape over the shoulders, and then a piece of old calico sewed round his body, so inlaid with dirt that it was almost impossible to touch it. But we took a pair of scissors, and cut the stitches. I am sure this must have been around him at least a year. He cried bitterly when it was taken off; but when first a clean little shirt, and then a warm petticoat, and then a long-sleeved frock were put upon him, he laughed for joy, and stroked his frock down with his poor little hand. "Nice, nice!" he said; and soon he was in the Birds' Nest, and had a snug, warm bed to sleep in, and plenty of food. We had a great deal of trouble with this little boy. He had been so starved that it was difficult to get him into anything like health; but he is quite strong now, and is learning to read and write nicely. About three years ago a Scripture Reader visited a very old and very poor woman. He found she had four grandchildren to support, who had been deserted years before by father and mother. They were all Roman Catholics, and utterly ignorant; and besides, they were almost naked, and quite starving.

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HOW WE BEGAN. 19 And then the music would cease, and the voice of one after another might be heard in earnest prayer. About this time the children's friend who had determined to have The Nest wrote a very nice hymn for them, suited to their peculiar circumstances. She meant it to be sung to the tune of Uncle Ned," a negro melody. She always liked lively tunes for the children, because the very little ones could learn them:"I saw in a valley a happy little flock, They lie in a pleasant fold, The Shepherd who owns them is kind and good, He loves them with love untold. Come all ye who hear, who hear, Come, and never fear: There's room for all, And the Shepherd doth call, Oh, come, and be happy here. Those sheep were lost and wandering once, And the wolf went about to destroy; But the Shepherd sought them through wood, waste, and hill, And brought them here with joy. Come all,.&c. He made them a fold under green, green trees, Which healing leaves do bear, Close by the stream of the water of life, And He leads His saved ones there. Come all, &c.

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70 DAILY WORK. nine or ten years of age, living an idle, wandering life, cannot bear the restraint of home, and they wander away, over and over again. Even one boy who has this restless propensity does great mischief, and will often lead away others. One day a little girl wandered away with another, and was found by the Master in the streets of Dublin, with her bib full of her little possessions. She had nowhere to go, and was greatly frightened; he took her safely back again, poor little wanderer We try to make the children as happy as we can, surrounding them with gentle influences, and most of them grow up nicely; and even the troubles are blessings, if they give us fresh errands to our loving Saviour. We try to teach our children to live as in the presence of a loving Father; to do the meanest of their daily work as for Him; to obey, not with "eye-service;" to go to Jesus in all trouble, and thank Him for all joys. For even the little ones can thus glorify God in their daily lessons and daily work.

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68 DAILY WORK. unless one happens to be sick. Two-and-two they go to church; and they sit very quietly, though many of them are so little they cannot understand much. After church they all get home, and the cloth is laid for dinner, and all sit down to it. Then there is another half-hour's quietness in the play-ground, and then Sunday School. After this there is a spare hour, in which' all do as they like, only there must be no noise; and then all assemble in the infant schoolroom, and a kind clergyman or friend meets them, and there is a children's service. They answer the responses, and sing the chants; and the sermon is so simple that the very little ones can understand. They do so enjoy this; and some of the elder ones take notes of the sermon. After this supper is soon ready, and then the younger ones go to bed, and the elder ones sit up a little longer, and read their books. I am sometimes asked whether we have any naughty children in the Nest, for all my stories are about good ones? And one day a lady said to me, in quaint language, "Thee thinks them a great deal better than they are." Well, I don't know about that. I think it is much better to think about bright things than dark. And I'm afraid I must plead guilty of telling bright things, for they are pleasant to tell, and pleasant to remember; and there is an old proverb which says, that "Every family should

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112 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. Hebrew youths were in the hot furnace. If Jesus is with them, all must be well." The next year's little book completes the story. "Besides the supply of the needful money, we have had many other answers to prayer. Seven of our lost children have been restored to us-all that we were most anxious about, except one. She, poor child, is patiently waiting until she is of an age when she will be allowed to choose for herself. Much prayer is made for her-this one, and one other whom we fear will never return. "Amongst. those who are come back are Polly and Lizzie, and their little brother, Georgie. One day in spring I met Georgie in the street. His eyes filled with tears when he saw me. He said his mother was very unhappy, and wished so to' get them all back, but she was afraid of the priest. I asked him what he would be when he was a man. He looked up brightly, and said, I'm determined to be a Christian.' I told Georgie to tell his mother how we would make room for Lizzie and Polly, if they could get back. Not many days afterwards Georgie and his brother came, as poor and ragged as when we first knew them. Their poor mother had only a cellar-home. They were soon dressed and sent out, helping the old man to drive the donkey; for he was going out that day with a load of parcels of clothing.

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DAILY WORK. 69 wash its own dirty clothes,"-that means, that troubles should not be made public. And you know kind parents always try to forget their children's faults when they are forgiven. But I suppose, as our birdies have so many parents, and parents ought to know all about their children, I ought to shew the dark side of our nestlings as well as the bright side. Of course we have troubles and difficulties of all sorts. Our little children come to us with wild habits and untrained minds. Some of them have never known loving care, and it takes a great deal of patience on the part of the Matron and teachers to restrain wild habits, and instil principles of obedience, and love, and order. One cold day in winter I saw a new little girl looking as if her clothes were very thin. I had lately given warm petticoats to each, and I looked at hers-she had but one on. "Did you not get a new warm petticoat ?" I asked. "Yes, ma'am." "And where is it?" She did not speak for a moment. Then she said, "I sold it to --." She did not say for what price; but the other little girl had three petticoats. It is very common to find new children changing clothes with each other when out in the play-ground. They have to be taught everything, even how to put on their clothes. Sometimes little boys and girls who have been, up to

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NOT ALONE. 129 herself to her schoolfellows and her teachers; but she was too young and small to stay in the Dormitory for great girls; so as soon as The Birds' Nest" was opened at Kingstown, she was sent there. We hoped, too, that the air of the country would do her good, for she was not at all strong; her face was pale, and there was a bright red spot in the middle of each cheek. At Kingstown she was quite a mother-bird," loving and kind to the little ones, tenderly caring for them, helping them in their plays, and comforting them in their sorrows. Everybody loved Emily, except her unnatural relatives. Pleasant footsteps were these! The Good Shepherd was leading His little lamb in "green pastures beside the still waters," and she grew in grace and in likeness to the Saviour. But there are rough places as well as smooth in the road to heaven; it is "through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom;" and the true follower of Jesus, although she be but a little child, will say"I'11 welcome still the heaviest grief, That brings me near to thee." Severe pain in her leg, accompanied by low fever, soon obliged Emily to find a new home in an hospital. Here she was laid in a small bed, in a ward in which I

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100 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. And when He sent us these five children, and we received them, trusting in Him, He looked into our "barrel of meal and cruse of oil;" and, oh, how He blessed it He put it into the heart of five new friends to collect each enough for one child; and not only that, but by the end of the next year we were enabled to put £200 into the bank, and had, besides, enough to pay the bills for January and February. Our little report for 1868 says:"We had one very remarkable and welcome gift. Though this winter has been so mild, yet in October there were several days of biting wind and frost. I looked at the nestlings' beds, and thought them in great need of new blankets; but it was no use thinking about it when we were in such debt. Well, as I came home, I met on the door-steps a lady; she came in with me, and sat down. Now,' she said, I want you to tell me how many beds there are in the Birds' Nest.' 'One hundred and seventyfour,' I said. 'Do they all want blankets?'-' No,' I said, 'not all; fourteen beds are new ones.' 'I will buy you a hundred and sixty pairs,' she said. I quite started with astonishment. Just the thing we wanted And the lady went on to ask about the needs of the other institutions, and I told all. Then she said that a kind friend had given her £Ioo to lay out, and she could buy almost all I had mentioned.

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48 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. alone on the grass, looking so thin and miserable. I sat down beside her, and noticed that she had a bad cough. "What s your name?" I asked. "Mary," she said, without looking up. "You are a new child; when did you come ?" "Last week." You have a bad cough-are you ill ?" "I think I am; I'm very miserable." "But you will soon be happy-all the children are happy." "I never was happy in my life." "Have you a father ?" "No, he's gone, and my stepmother is unkind to me. Nobody ever loved me." "Poor child, Jesus loves you." "I don't think He does." "I love you." She looked up with a questioning gaze. "Do you know who I am?" I asked.-"No." When I told her, a beaming smile lighted up her face. "All the children love you," she said; I'11 love you too." Here I must tell you that the love of "all the children" comes to me because I am the representative of all the members of the Children's Association, and their gifts and love come through me. I try to send out all the love

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. II5 without her; and we have given her a position, and made her quite at home in the Nest, by settling up a little room for her close to the nursery, where she can see a friend, or be alone when she needs a little rest. Then there is Lizzie, a grown-up nestling, who washes and cares for all the little girls; and Mary, who is responsible for the laundry and washing. Besides these there is a man, a pensioner, who comes every day, and whose duty it is to do all the work women and girls cannot do: to lift heavy pots, pump water, clean everything outside, whitewash, glaze broken windows, go to market with the donkey cart, &c. Then there are the voluntary helpers. God has given us willing hearts and hands, ready to employ their talents in His service. One lady gives her talents for drawing, and designs our pretty book-covers and Erin's Hope" pictures. Another comes to the Nest to give lessons in singing. One dear friend devotes herself to the boys, coming in the evenings to arrange their knitting, and superintend their patching and darning, for in the Nest even the boys must do this for themselves. As a reward for industry and good behaviour, she sometimes invites them to her house to weed her garden, or do any other work they can. Her dear, kind grandmamma knits socks for them. Boys are wonderfully influenced by kindness,

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CHAPTER. VIII. SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. ARAH TOWEL was a dear little girl, who one night lay down to sleep in one of the small beds of the Birds' Nest, and awoke up amongst the angels in heaven. The bed-clothing had not been disturbed, and there was a bright, happy smile on the cold face, and it seemed as if in a pleasant dream the messenger had come. It was a little shock to our children at first, as the news of so sudden a death passed from one to another; but soon they thought of Sarah's bright life, her love for Jesus, and they began to feel it was something like it was with Enoch-" He walked with God, and he was not, for God took him; for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God." Sometimes when a child is taken away from its earthly home, we hope it belonged to Jesus, and that it is gone to be with Him. And we think over its life, and secret things come to light; words written; kind actions done; and we are comforted.

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120 HOW THE BUILDING WAS PAID FOR. to the Secretary before each meeting, and to join us in spirit at the appointed hour. A few ladies also undertook to distribute the appeals generally throughout England and Scotland. "Our first harvest gathering assembled on the Ioth November, 1863, in the vestibule of the Mariners' Church, Kingstown, when the large sum of £142 was handed in. At our second meeting the receipts were £170; and on the 8th December, an increase of £200 gave us great encouragement. "By the end of the year the sum of £800 was handed to the Treasuirer as our first instalment in liquidation of the debt. Our meetings continued with occasional interruptions during the next two years; and in the beginning of 1866, finding a balance of £480 still remaining due, we determined, in dependence on the Father of mercies, to make one strong effort to gather in this sum before the ioth April-the anniversary of the laying of the first stone, as well as of the opening of the new building. Through the kind liberality of our friends our hopes were fully realized; and with what feelings of joy and thankfulness we assembled at The Birds' Nest on the evening of that day, our labours successfully brought to an end, and the Institution free of debt! I can never forget it, and how

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SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. 189 the heavenly home-some peacefully, some joyfully. It is our most earnest desire that every one of our rescued wanderers may be led to follow the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, and be enabled to glorify Him whether in life or death. What a joyful meeting there will be one day above, when those who have laboured and prayed for the nestlings shall recognise them"No more as ragged orphans wild, But dressed in bright array; For God has owned the homeless child, And wiped its tears away."

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GOING FORWARD. 31 the time when we all stood in the green field, and the first stone was put down. I must explain the plan of the building, or I fear you will not exactly understand all I shall have to tell you. It is an oblong building, with a door at each end; one has "Boys" written over it, the other "Girls." This is to suit the day-s-hools. You remember that, at first, the Birds' Nest children went to the Mission School'; now the Mission School was to come to the Birds' Nest. The large space between each entrance is divided into two rooms; the one on the boys' end is the infants' school-room; the other is the feeding-room. In this latter are six deal tables, some of them very low, with small low forms for the little children; others are higher, for those who have longer legs. Over these two rooms are two others, separated by folding doors. One is the boys' school-room, the other the girls'. Over these again are two large sleepingrooms. At the end you will see there are several smaller rooms. On the girls' end there is first the kitchen, then two rooms for the matron, two for the teachers, and one, reaching from back to front, which is intended for any children who may not be quite well.

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PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. -00"WHEN the Second Edition of this little book was nearly sold off, it was thought well to publish its contents in a series of little books, which could be issued in large numbers. This plan has been most successful; but still many letters are coming asking for the original book; and therefore we have determined to send forth a Third Edition, bringing down the story to the present time, and embodying the contents of the later numbers of the little books. We commend this new edition to the loving care of our Heavenly Father. May He bless it abundantly, and by it touch many hearts, causing them to feel for the miseries of destitute little children, and leading them to help in someway to provide for the little children in the BIRDS' NEST. SARAH DAVIES, 35 UPPER FITZWILLIAM STREET, DUBLIN, Honorary Secretary to Children's Association. December, 1871.

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 53 We have two very nice boys now in the Nest, who were some time ago removed to the Boys' Home, but, having been very delicate, have come back to be nursed. They are both, we believe, real Christians, setting a bright example to all around. I find the history of one of them in my notes. The family consisted of a father and mother and seven children. They were all Roman Catholics, and when first visited by the Scripture-readers, were in such a very destitute condition, that the children were obliged to cover themselves with the straw that formed their bed. One of these children was a bright little boy of nine years old. He was persuaded to attend the Ragged School; we sent him a little pair of trousers to enable him to get out. Willy was delighted with all he heard and learned, and when he went home at night, tried to teach his mother to repeat a text: she would not then. But Willy was one of those boys who are not easily discouraged, and, as his mother said, "he worrited" at her till she learned one; and then he tried his father. This was harder work, for being a violent man, he threw things at the child's head; still Willy persevered. And when he had learned to read, he would take his Bible, and read chapter after chapter aloud, that his parents might be interested in the story. Soon mother and children were all regular attendants at the Sunday School.

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n1 CHAPTER VII. DAILY WORK. HAVE told you a great deal about the history of the Nest, and now I think I ought to tell you what it is like. Well, to begin with the outside. It is just what the picture represents, a great oblong stone building,-not at all like a real bird's nest; I wish it was. I should like to have had it a cozy-looking place, with all sorts of nooks about it, porched doors, and domer windows, and little chimneys popped about the roof; and then it would have been my taste to have roses, and ivy, and creeping plants climbing up, and round about the windows and chimneys. And there should have been a nice green field round about, surrounded by a good quick-set hedge. All this would have been very delightful, but would have cost a good deal of money. And do you know we were obliged to put away all idea of beauty when we considered the plans for The Nest. The great problem we had to solve was, how to accommodate the

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SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. 187 thankful that she has been so early taken from this world of sorrow and suffering, to be for ever with the Lord,' especially as her delicate health would always have been against her progress in any kind of employment which might have been provided for her in the future. I was very much interested for her when she was an inmate of the Adelaide Hospital, she was such a patient little sufferer; yet cannot but feel that it is indeed well with the child,' whose days of mourning have been ended so early. Her father was a drunkard, and her mother dead. The Birds' Nest never opened the doors to one who required a home more than she did. The Lord will say in her case, I am sure, Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me.' "Believe me, very truly yours, J-M-." Just three years before Sarah's death the nestlings had followed to the grave a beloved teacher. The story is told in the little book, No. 4. They were very anxious that the body of their loved companion might be laid near to her. Quite close to her grave was a vacant spot; and there, on a chill March morning, we laid the body of Sarah Towel, in most "sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrection." And the children returned home, solemnly

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CALLED AND CHOSEN. 155 should pray for. The little boy mentioned three things, -"Patience to bear pain; to take it away; and that I may not be afraid when I come to the valley of the shadow of death." This last prayer was wonderfully answered. About the middle of the day, on Thursday, the Ist of March, I received a message that Pat was dying. I went as quickly as possible. When I reached the room the door was a little open; I went quietly in. Dear little Pat was lying with his arms stretched out, his eyes fixed and glazed; his mother knelt on the floor, watching him. "Ah, ma'am, he's almost gone!" she said. I knelt beside her, hoping to catch a last smile, but the breathing had ceased. Pat was singing the song of Moses and the Lamb in heaven. That morning, when he woke up, he put his two little wasted arms round his mother's neck, and kissed her many times. She said, "Did you sleep well, my darling?" "Yes, mamma, quite well," said he; but his voice was changed. She struck a light, and then she saw that his face, too, was changed, and she knew he was dying. She sent for their missionary friend. When he came the child could not speak, but he drew from under his pillow his little Testament, and listened earnestly to the story of the death of Lazarus. He knew he was dying; but his

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HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 75 the tables when the kind gentleman and his family and other friends came in. It did not take long to place the dishes on the tables, and then grace was sung, and several kind friends set to work to cut up the joints, and soon all were helped. While the plates were being washed for the pudding, the children sang some hymns, and so gave pleasure to the friend who was giving them so much. It was four o'clock before this happy dinner was over. I don't know whether the kind gentleman thought of the words of Jesus, but I am sure many others did,"When thou makest a feast, call the poor ..They cannot recompense.thee, but thou shalt be recompensed." Oh, yes! in doing good there is a recompense now, in the joy and lightness of heart; and there is a recompense hereafter, for will not Jesus one day say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you; for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me!" These promises, and the smile of Jesus, are the HOLLY AND IVY to us,-the bright things of winter time. But when they are all fulfilled, and we live in His presence, where there is fulness of joy, there will be no winter time,

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' ,ORY law T (

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136 NOT ALONE. that I was dying, and that the Lord Jesus Christ stood by my bedside, smiling at me, and He told me not to fear, that I would be with Him before long. I should like to see Mrs. S--, my more than mother; but if I die before I can see her, I shall be one of the number that will come to meet her when she is leaving the world. Give my love to her, and to Mr. Eade, and Mr. MacCarthy, and tell them that I will love them all throughout eternity." Soon after this it was thought desirable that Emily should be brought again to the hospital, that she might be under the care of the doctors. She could not bear the thoughts of this. I cannot go," she said to her friend; "I would rather die here." But a few words were enough to recall her to herself, and she whispered, Pray that I may be ready for God's will in all things." Was she not even here following Jesus? Did not He, in prospect of suffering alone, say," If it be possible let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." When the day came for Emily to go, she called Mrs. F-, who had nursed her tenderly, to her, and putting her poor wasted arms round her neck, said, "God be with you! We part but for a little season, then we shall meet again round the great white throne,' never to part again."

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30 GOING FORWARD. words to them; after which all formed into a procession, and walked down the road to the ground selected for the new building. The children took their places around the stone, and then all the other people stood around. The rector of the parish offered up a prayer for God's blessing, and then the stone was put down. Some nice speeches were made, and then the children gathered into a group and sang many beautiful hymns, their voices blending so sweetly together. We all felt full of joy and thankfulness, and joined in heart and feeling in the children's chorus, "All glory to Jesus." SAfter this the building committee worked in earnest. I could not tell you how often the poor little Birdies looked out at their new Nest," as stone after stone was laid, and the walls rose, and the window-places were left, and then the roof was put on. And then the carpenters came, and doors were put in, and windows were made; and then the iron railings were put up in front, and the gates in their places. How they wondered what it would all be like inside! At last April came, and Mr. Dallas was coming over; and though all the inside things were not ready, still the school-rooms were finished, and we determined to have an opening day on the Ioth of April, exactly a year from

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78 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. write, and the little ones' names were put down for them; and this was the children's secret. Well, at last the time came, and friends assembled; amongst them many of the members of "The Children's Association;" some who had given the things for the tree, but not all. Then the children marched in and took their places; but the little ones opened their eyes so wide, and wondered so much at the beautiful tree, that they had to be lifted into their seats; one of them tumbled over a form, he did not know what he was doing. Very soon Mr. Dallas came, and then the children sang a song of welcome, which had been composed for the occasion, to the tune of "Some folks like to sigh." I must put it in here for those who did not hear it. "Welcome, welcome home, Father dear, father dear, Welcome, welcome home, We're glad to see you here. Join all with heart and voice, And glad hosannas raise, We '11 swell the song, Our Jesus' name we'11 praise. "Once we wandered far, Father dear, father dear, Once we wandered far, But you have brought us here.

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SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. 183 water; what the living water was; about Nicodemus, and the teaching Jesus gave him. The talk grew very solemn, and he said-" Children, all of you here know about Jesus. How many have asked ?-how many are born again? I don't want you to tell me, but each one answer in your own hearts. Quietly the children turned away, but one little one remained. Touching their friend's arm, she timidly said, Sarah Towel has asked." "How do you know, dear ?" She could not be so good if she had not got the Holy Spirit." Dear Sarah had made one of the group. She had not answered for herself, but, like Jesus, "she could not be hid." And her little playmate bore testimony to Sarah's Christian life. After Sarah's death, I asked the kind friend who so often had her at her house to tell me something of the dear child's life with her. She writes as follows:"3rd March. MY DEAR MISS DAVIEs,-With mingled feelings of pain and much thankfulness, I comply with your request of noting down some recollections of the dear child so lately and suddenly taken from amongst us. We were all very fond of her, and we greatly miss her bright face and cheerful little ways; but we rejoice to know that the Good Shepherd has gathered the lamb with His arm, and

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SAFE AT HOME. 143 and when I talked to her about it, I felt quite sure that she was enjoying that peace. We had brought her a nice doll and a little Testament. We gave her the doll first, and she looked admiringly at it; then we shewed her the Testament. Instantly the doll was laid down, and with both hands she grasped the Testament; she had been longing so for it, because her Bible was too heavy for her to hold up. It did not seem to be any trouble to Janey that she had no relatives. She had Jesus; that was enough; and He supported her to the end. For five months dear little Janey lay in that hospital, suffering very much, but patiently "waiting for Jesus;" her calmness and peace reminded me of the words of a beautiful hymn:"One of Jesus' lambs am I, Near His side to keep I try; Near my Shepherd, loving, tender, Careful Guide, and strong Defender, Whose protection I can claim, And who calls me by my name. Often in the cooling shade I am gladly by Him staid, Then in pastures green He leads me, Out of His own hands He feeds me, For my thirst still water gives; He who drinks for ever lives.

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CHAPTER II. HOW WE BEGAN. "T was in the month of July, 1859, four ladies were sitting together in a small room in one of the back streets of Dublin. They were met to arrange the weekly business of a Home for Destitute Girls, and to see those who wished for admission. There were many came that day seeking a shelter, girls who had no place to call "home," who had slept, some of them, for many a night, in the damp air, crouched in some doorway, or perhaps an open shed; and as many as they could those ladies received in the name of Jesus. But amongst the applicants came a woman bringing a little girl three years of age. She had been deserted by her mother a year before, and this woman, poor as she was, had taken her to her heart and home; but now worse poverty had come upon her, she could keep the little one no longer. It was not the first time such little ones had come there. Once two little ones came hand-

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CHAPTER X. GOD'S PROVIDINGS. "The birds without barn or storehouse are fed; From them let us learn to trust for our bread. The saints what is fitting shall ne'er be denied, So long as 'tis written, The Lord will provide." DON'T know exactly how it is, but I always feel as if the Birds' Nest were in an especial manner under the care of Jesus. It seems such a real gathering of little ones for Him. Many kind friends from England have been to see it, and they have talked to the children, and they have all felt what a Christ-like work it is. We may take for ourselves those beautiful promises made to the Israelites. When God described their land it was in these words: "A land that the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year, even unto the end of it," (Deut. xi. 12.) And that other beautiful promise made to Solomon-" I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication. ..I have hallowed this house

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96 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. at the accounts, and they thought of the number of children, and they said, "We shall want £300 before the close of the year; where shall we get it?" And oneisaid, "I don't know; I have got in all my cards." And another said, I don't know anybody to ask for money." And another said, We must not take any more children, and perhaps there are some we can turn away." It seemed as if a dark cloud stood before us, and we could not see our way. Then there came a little bright opening, and shewed some of the silver edges of the cloud; yes, there was light beyond, and the promise shone out, "Call upon ME in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify ME." So we said, Yes, we must pray." And then a day was fixed for special prayer-the 3rd of November-and a lot of little letters were written to the members of the Children's Association. They were all asked to pray that the year might be closed out of debt. It was a special request, and we trusted God to give us a special answer. Did He? Yes, more than we asked, for we had £42 over to begin the new year But you will ask, How did the money come? Well, one and another had got a book and card; they had told others; and so, with only one large collection of £44, it all came; and the wonder is, that those who sent in the money were not, many of them, those who knew of the

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WANDERERS WELCOMED. I61 there was such washing, and combing, and fitting on of nice comfortable clothes; and that very night they lay down to sleep in the happy Birds' Nest. Mary never quite got over her sorrows. She was very delicate, and talked very little. She was rather downcast, perhaps a little shy. During the autumn of 1862 her health grew worse, and early in November she was remo ;d to the Adelaide Hospital. It was soon known that her illness was a fatal one, and we felt very anxious about her soul. One day when I visited her I asked her, would she be afraid if Jesus called her? She fixed upon me an earnest gaze. "I'd be very much afraid," she said; "I don't think I belong to Him at all." I spoke to her of His death upon the cross, and how the way is open to all who will only believe. She sighed deeply. "I know all that," she said; "but I am not one of the saved ones." Many times we talked to her, but the same melancholy look was on her face; we prayed very earnestly that SJesus would give to her the Holy Spirit, that she might be enabled to trust.and not be afraid. At length, on Tuesday, it was the 9th of December, I went into the ward, and was delighted to see a bright L

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WANDERERS WELCOMED. 163 How do you know that?" said the Nurse. Because when the doctor looked at me he shook his head; I know I'm going to die; and oh! Nurse, I'm not ready." She was indeed dying, and the tempter was near to trouble her. A thick cloud came over the child's faith; she could not see Jesus. The Nurse called up Mrs. Rto talk to her. She spoke of Jesus, His everlasting love, and how He never leaves nor forsakes His own little ones. But Mary Jane could not find peace. A little while after Mrs. Rwas gone, as the child was lying quietly thinking and praying, the cloud passed away, and she called out in quite a strong voice, Nurse, I'm happy; I've found Christ again; I can sleep now, Nurse;" and with a peaceful smile she turned her head and slept sweetly and quietly. She was getting very near the waters of Jordan; but there was no fear-Jesus was with her. As night came on she woke up, and begged of the Nurse to lie down. "You must not stay on your feet for me," she said; "do go to bed." So she had to go for a little while to pacify the child; but she soon came back; she could not stay away.

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184 SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE, taken her to be for ever with himself. No one who really knew little Sarah has the smallest doubt of this. It was not difficult to discover that she was one of the lambs of the fold. Her cheerful response when spoken to about the love of Jesus, and asked if she had given her young heart to Him, as well as her happy Christian walk as a lowly follower of the Lamb, bore testimony that she was no stranger to the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge. Her brief life was filled with acts of love and self-denial, such as are rarely to be seen in one so young. Love to her precious Saviour was evidently the constraining motive; and thus the tender branch which could not bear fruit of itself, became fruitful from its union with the vine. She was truly a ministering child, patient and uncomplaining in her own sufferings, which must have been greater at times than she would allow. "To make this little girl useful was to make her happy. It was a great treat to her to be asked to help me in my garden, or to take part in any little household employment. Indeed we'often invented a little job or message for her, just for the pleasure it seemed to give; and then it was always nice to hear her inquiry,' Can I do anything more, ma'am?' When my mother was often much alone in the winter afternoons, she would have her up to sit on a little stool in the room with her, while she examined her

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CHAPTER X1. HOW THE BUILDING WAS PAID FOR. "We also will be with thee: be of good courage."-EZRA x. 4. HE first plan for the new Birds' Nest was a very commodious, but a very expensive one. The estimate of cost was £6,000. This, we felt, was a great deal more than we ought to undertake, so the plan had to be reduced, cutting away all ornament, as well as a laundry and a nursery for delicate children, which we have had to build since. At length we got it down to £4,000. £2,000 of this sum we borrowed on interest, and £i.,ooo was lent by a kind friend, without interest, for as long a time as we should require it. We did our best to collect the money, but at the end of two years still owed £3,000, and the Bank managers wanted the £2,000 to be paid up. The case was made known to a very active servant of God, W. H. Porter, Esq., and he determined to make a vigorous effort to

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52 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. regular attendants at the school, but always so neatly dressed that we had never guessed their poverty. It was the little one who had brought the note the night before. Oh, ma'am," said the old woman, "I never begged before; but the children said the Lord would help us. I had not a bit of fire or food; and what was worse, not a bit of candle to watch my poor child through the night. I could not face a night of darkness." The child had had fever, and was just beginning to recover; all she wanted was nourishment and comfort, which we were able to provide. They had been very respectable people; the father, a good workman, earning large wages; but he died suddenly, leaving £20 which he had saved for his wife, mother-inlaw, and children. They were induced to go to Manchester and set up a lodging-house, which at first succeeded; but the cotton famine came, and they lost all they had. They returned to Dublin; the mother went to service, where she earned £5 a-year, and 2s. 6d. a-week to feed herself. This was all the support of the familyno wonder they suffered so much. We took the two children into the Nest, and the old woman went to the poorhouse, where she soon after died. The mother is in very delicate health, but she is able to support herself, and comes sometimes to see the little ones.

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HOW THE BUILDING WAS PAID FOR. II9 collect the money due. One of his kind associates in the matter gives the following account of their work:"The Ladies' Committee in aid of the Building Fund of The Birds' Nest were first brought together in the autumn of 1863, at the invitation of Mr. Porter, with the object of making a combined effort to clear off the longstanding debt, which was such a heavy burden on the Institution. To the admirable and systematic arrangements suggested by him, and to his unwearying energy and zeal while acting as our honorary secretary, we were deeply indebted. Having commended our cause to God in earnest prayer, he led us to expect the blessing, and continually cheered us on, as a band of fellow-labourers, with unabated interest to the end. Our plan of working was thus : To each lady collector was apportioned the whole or part of one of the counties in Ireland, which she undertook as her field of labour, writing and sending out the appeals to all those within her district who might be willing to assist and be interested in the work. It was thus hoped that, by a vigorous and united effort, the entire debt of £3,000 might speedily be removed. We proposed to meet together once a-fortnight for prayer, for a blessing on our labours, and to hand in the amount received by each collector. Those unable to attend personally were requested to send in their report

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164 WANDERERS WELCOMED. As the hours passed Mary Jane grew weaker and weaker. She was very happy, and about midnight there came a change; a beautiful light shone on her face; her eye was fixed upon something none else could see; and about one o'clock the angels took her away. Not a sigh, not a struggle, marked the last moment. It was just before Christmas day; and what a happy one she spent! Her companions celebrated the birth-day of Jesus on earth, but she in His presence, where there is "fulness of joy."

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CHAPTER IX. CONCLUSION. ND now, dear friends, I send forth this little book to plead the cause of destitute children. The Birds' Nest is not a thing of the past. At this moment one hundred and ninety children are to be found there, each one needing to be fed, and clothed, and taught, every day; and as these go forth into the world, their places will be filled by others. And as long as there are hearts and hands willing to take up this work for Jesus the Nest will ever be kept full. Our trust is in our Father in heaven. He never fails His people. And though we may have times of darkness and trial, we know that"His mercy watches o'er us in every season still, Nor cold, nor heat can harm us, unless it be His will. If He send want or sorrow He still will be our stay, E'en let the unknown morrow bring with it what it may. It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through; Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His children too

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CHAPTER VI. THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. "And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them." OME people think "THE BIRDS' NEST" a very odd sort of name for an institution; but most of our friends like it very much indeed. I think it charming; and I know a great many of our children helpers agree with me. In this chapter I want to tell something about the sort of children who are taken into the Nest. It is very difficult to classify them, but I will tell the cases of some of them, and that will give an idea. The more destitute a child is, the more glad we are to receive it, and bring it up for Jesus. Let us fancy we are at the Nest, and looking at the children. Here is a little boy I always call Billy, but I think his real name is Johnny. When he came to me to be made ready for the Nest he was the most miserable creature I ever saw. He was thought to' be seven years old; and the day I

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HOW WE BEGAN. 15 in-hand, their poor little bodies scarcely covered with wretched rags, their hair tangled, their faces unwashed; and as they stood together they looked round with a wondering, half-frightened air; and their faces, which ought to have been bright with smiles and fun, were marked by a serious, careworn look, very sad to see in such little things. Their mother was dead, and their father was gone, and they had no home and no food but the breakfast they got in the Ragged School. But these two, and many others, had been sent away because the Home was for great girls; there was no room for little ones. But now the sad case of the little child touched the heart of one of the ladies very deeply; and Jesus, who longs to have the little ones come to Him, put into her heart a thought:-"We must have a Home for the poor little ones," she said. "There are many children to whom God has given plenteously, and they will gather the money to feed them, and so the rich and the poor amongst the lambs of the fold will be united together, and God will be glorified." The woman was told to call again, and something should be done. That day the ladies sat long together, and they asked God's blessing on the work of their hands. Before they separated, the youngest among them, the one into whose heart the thought came, had determined that she would

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-80 SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. After a stay of about ten months, the doctor under whose care she was felt that he could do nothing more to make her well, and that she ought to be sent home, to make room for others. But where was her home ? When they went to look for her mother, they found she had died; and the father had not been heard of for a very long time. So Sarah was sent for a while to the home for people who are getting better, and the doctor begged a place for her in the Birds' Nest. The day Sarah died I was telling a lady how one of our nestlings had been taken so suddenly, but so gently. When I mentioned the name, she said, Is it dear little Sarah? I often went to the Nest on purpose to look at her sweet, happy face. I began to know her at the 'Home for Convalescents.' When she saw my pony stop at the gate, she would hop down on her little stick to meet me; and as we walked up to the house, would tell me what new texts and hymns she had learned. I shall miss her very much." When little Sarah's case was brought before the Committee of the Birds' Nest, some of the ladies said, "What shall we do with her when she grows up? She will never be able to earn her living. But then, we thought, our home is for destitute ones, and her lameness only makes her the more destitute. God will provide for her. And

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34 GOING FORWARD. got, new little beds to be filled with straw, and sheets and blankets to be prepared; and every day the elder girls came over to help to hem and stitch. In about a fortnight the moving day came, and many little hands carried over bundle after bundle; and there was such excitement, such rushing over the house to see all the rooms, such peering into presses, as only children who have ever moved into a new house can understand. It was not very easy to reduce all to order, as you may imagine. The new house required new plans, and new work; and the workmen kept themselves a very long time about, doing little finishings. Just as we thought they were quite ready to go, a terrible misfortune happenedthe well ran dry! and there was no water for that great house and its inmates. Many schemes were thought of, for water must be had. The only thing that could be done was to dig a very deep well. At last water was found, but we were obliged to have a steam-pump to get it up. You cannot think what a time of trouble we had of it all the long weeks when there was no water; we never before felt the comfort of the last part of the promise, "Bread shall be given, and water shall be sure." During that time we were glad when we heard the driving rain, for we knew the cisterns were filling, and for a time the want would be supplied.

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r:PAE10 ;i a i, PAGE 160.

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THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 93 LITTLE ONES LIKE ME. "JEsvs, when he left the sky, And for sinners came to die, In his mercy passed not by Little ones like me. Mothers then, as mothers ought, In the places where He taught, Unto Him their children brought, Little ones like me. Did the Saviour say, then, nay? No He kindly bid them stay, Suffered none to turn away Little ones like me. When into Jerusalem, Meekly riding, Jesus came, Children hailed His blessed name, Little ones like me. In the glorious heaven above, Through the gracious Saviour's love, Children bliss and glory prove, Little ones like me. 'Twas for them His life He gave, To redeem them from the grave; Jesus died from hell to save Little ones like me. Children, then, should love Him now, Strive His holy will to do, Pray to Him, and praise Him too, Little ones like me."

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THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 87 Writing is the best way of talking to friends at a distance, but for those near it is better to meet face to face; so we got up some meetings of different kinds. The first was a tea-party in St. John's Schoolhouse. Sometimes we had meetings without tea. Sometimes we had a magic-lantern meeting at the Nest. One meeting was a very charming one-a real Children's Association meeting, "the rich and the poor meeting together." We asked every collector to give a shilling, and to come to the Nest on a certain Thursday evening, at four o'clock. When we had got all the shillings, we got a great quantity of currant-cake made, and ordered the children's evening supply of bread to be made into flat cakes, and to be brought hot. Then we hired some cups, saucers, teapots, jugs, and bowls, and we arranged our tea-party. Six cups and saucers, a bowl, and jug, went to each teapot. The hot cakes were buttered, and the currant-cake cut up, on plates down each table; and when the collectors had arrived, the nestlings were all brought into the tearoom, and a little girl collector presided at each teapot, while a little boy waited on her. It was a most enjoyable party. Our Children's Association has grown very fast, and struck down root in many different places; and year by

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Oro,

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. mOg "We have had some wonderful providences in the gifts received. Not long ago two dear friends died, who used to knit socks for the little boys. I wrote to some invalid friends, to ask them to pray that their place may be supplied. This winter* scarcely a parcel has arrived without a few pairs. In all, I have received about two hundred pairs; and such good, strong, suitable socks, of good sizes. The forty little boys are those who want them most, for they are too small to knit enough for themselves: they are from seven to nine years of age." In the little book for 1869 we find the following:" Our nestlings pray for many things besides bread and clothing. To some petitions answers do not come. God knows best; we must trust His wisdom. There are prayers for little companions that seem unheard. We often imagine a thing would be good, and we earnestly ask that it may come to pass; and the contrary happens. I remember once there was a little orphan in a Home. She was a gentle, loving child, and we thought her path in life would be a very smooth one. One day a rough-looking poor woman came to that Orphan Home; she said she was Biddy's mother, and had come from America to take her away. There was great sorrow; much prayer was made; 1869.

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SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. 179 It was not thus with Sarah; her's was a bright Christian life. All who knew her saw how she was trying to be like Jesus. She was a sweet example to all around. We could ill spare the child, but Jesus wanted her in heaven; and when we think of her weakness and suffering during all her earthly pilgrimage, we feel thankful that for her there will be "no more pain." The first time I saw little Sarah was in the Adelaide Hospital, rather more than three years ago. She was a pale-faced child, with light hair, and large blue eyes. It was no wonder her face was pale, for she suffered a great deal of pain in her leg, and often lay awake a long time in the night. The dear child had been brought to the hospital by her mother; but for some time she had not been to see her, and no one knew anything about her. This hospital is visited by some Christian ladies, who take a great deal of interest in the suffering children, making the rooms as pleasant as they can with pictures and toys, and teaching the little ones of Jesus. Of this hospital Sarah could say-'twas there "I came to Jesus as I was, Weary, and worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad."

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58 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. only be like the roll mentioned in Ezekiel, "full of lamentations, and mourning, and woe." From what I have said, you can imagine something of their former misery. I like much better to tell of their present happiness, and to lead those who have been our helpers to thank God that He has made them the means of so much blessing, and encourage others who have not yet entered upon the service of the Heavenly Master to join in this work for Him, that that may be a very large company to whom He will one day say, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME." TO THE WANDERER. LONELY traveller! little orphan! Sorrowful and weary, If thy life seem lone and cheerless, If the way be dreary, There is One can hear and see, Looks, and loves, and pities thee. We have got a Home for children Poor as thee and lonely, Where they hear of Christ the Saviour, 'Tis for children only. Come, then, little wanderer, here Learn of Christ the Saviour dear.

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IfTHE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 39 The Reader told the grandmother of a ragged school that was quite near, and asked her to send the children in time for breakfast the next day. They went, and soon became greatly in love with the school, and the nice things they learned there. But one day they were missed by the teachers. Another day, and another day, and they did not come. Then the Reader went to visit them, and he found the four children weeping over the dead body of their grandmother. They had now no relative to care for them; but their sad case was made known, and the two elder boys were taken into the RAGGED BOYS' HOME, and the two little ones found a happy home in the Birds' Nest. And so they are all under the tender care of the Good Shepherd, who watches over His little lambs, and causes His people to go after them, and find them, and bring them to His fold. How many of our dear children I could shew you who have no friends but those belonging to the Nest! Here is one-a dear, loving little girl. She was brought by a poor woman who had taken care of her as long as she could. When I first looked at the child I thought she must be an idiot, and I took her down stairs at our own house, and asked the cook, a kind motherly woman, to keep her for a few hours, and try to make her talk. In the evening she said,. "The poor child has plenty of

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 103 be closed out of debt. It was a great request, but God's promises are great-He says, 'Open thy mouth wide, I will fill it.' "The day on which we ask that collections should be sent in is the 20th of December; our time came, but not God's. Many were praying, but answers were few; we must wait. On the 22nd we counted up the debts, and found that £1,I58 were wanted to pay all! Then we took a report of last year, and tried to calculate how many collections could be expected. Not quite £300! Oh how dark it seemed! One evening, seeking comfort from God's Word, we read the story of the feeding of the five thousand. It was Jesus himself put the question, 'Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat ?' But immediately it is added, This He said to prove them, for He himself knew what He would do.' Then we felt that, in our trying circumstances, Jesus, putting himself amongst the workers, was asking the question, Whence shall WE buy bread?' He knew then, and He knows now, what He will do; we must trust Him and wait. Oh it is blessed to look only to Him! No matter how rough the waves, if we can only keep looking to Him, there is no sinking; only sometimes a great high wave dashes up and hides Him from view, and then, while beginning to sink, we hear His sweet voice-' Oh thou of little faith, where-

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 57 to find him. The mother worked very hard to support the children, and some kind friends subscribed a little money to apprentice the eldest boy to a shoemaker. He worked very well, and was learning his trade nicely, when he was taken ill of hip-disease. He was in hospital some time, then sent home incurable. Such a home-only a stable some one had given this poor woman rent-free! It was harder than ever for her now, and little Mary had tried to help her by going on messages for the neighbours; and an old lady of seventy-seven undertook to teach Nannie. (There was no Protestant school near.) She says, "I have an apt scholar; she spells and reads, learns multiplication-table, Scripture, and hymns." This kind lady also gave Nannie food every day. This was what we first heard of this poor family. Then came another letter, saying they had been told they must leave the stable, and then they would all be homeless. We wrote to say we would take Mary and Nannie in as soon as possible. And when the dear friends at Southampton said they would support them, we got them in at once. They are so grateful, and are already quite at home in the Birds' Nest. A great many of the children in the Birds' Nest have got no fathers, and a great many have no mothers. I could not give the history of them all. If I did, it would

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 41 As she looked at them, and gathered them to her arms, her grief burst out afresh. How shall I feed them ?" she thought. And day by day this question returned, for it must be answered. And every day some of their little possessions were sorrowfully taken to the pawn-shop, and a scant supply of money brought home to buy bread. At last, one morning, the poor mother looked around upon an empty room. Little Johnny saw her trouble; he did not ask for food, but went out into the street. Cold and hungry, he sat down on a door-step, resting his head on his hand. As he sat a bright little boy passed; he noticed the weary look, and he turned round. "What is the matter?" he asked. The sad tale was soon told. "Come with me," said the little fellow; "I'm going to a school where we get a good hot breakfast, if we are in time-come along, you '11 be welcome." And Johnny went to Townsend Street. At three o'clock some of the boys got a little more food; Johnny stayed with them. It was with a very different face from that of the morning that Johnny entered his home. Mother, mother!" said he, "I 've found kind people. I've been to a boys' school, and gotf ood to eat. And, mother, there's another school close to it for little ones. Mother, mayn't I take the children to-morrow ?"

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HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 79 Join all with heart and voice, And loud hosannas raise, We'll swell the song, Our Jesus' name we '11 praise. "Erin's children sighed, Long ago, long ago, Your arms were opened wide To shelter them from woe. Join all with heart and voice, And loud hosannas raise, We'll swell the song, Our Jesus' name we'll praise. "Erin's children love To welcome you, to welcome you, You've taught us how above We '11 meet the Saviour, too. Join all with heart and voice, And loud hosannas raise, We '11 swell the song, Our Jesus' name we '11 praise. "In the better land, Father dear, father dear, A glorious angel band Will welcome you up there. Join all with heart and voice, And loud hosannas raise, We 'll swell the song, Our Jesus' name we '11 praise." When this had been sung, and tea and cake finished,

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IO GOD'S PROVIDINGS. get them soon. I thought it was quite possible, for there were sellings-off at several clothing-shops just then; and as soon as my friend was gone, I took a cab and drove off. At one shop the man said he could supply exactly what was wanted, and took down some nice little coats at ten shillings each. 'That would never do;' we should only have twenty for the £Io. Shop after shop was tried, with a like result. At last I went to one where I had bought a coat the week before for five shillings; they had no more. I was telling the young woman who served how the forty poor little boys wanted coats, and how the lady had given £1o to buy them, when the manager, who was standing near, said, Shall I make them?' Oh,' I said, 'they would be too dear; we have only £0o for forty; we will buy some cloth, and make them ourselves.' If you will allow me, to make them,' she said, it will be a real pleasure. Of course there will be no profit on them; but do let me.' Then I knew that her heart must have been prepared, and gladly left the matter in her hands. And that day week forty Inverness coats of black frieze, each with two pockets for cold hands, arrived at the Nest; and the next day a very comfortable little regiment marched to church, facing the east wind with a pleasant defiance, cared for and clothed by Him who notices the needs of the little sparrows, and not one of THEM is forgotten.'

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THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 91 give this message to the members of the Children's Association, for the nestlings look upon me as the messenger sent to them by all of you; and now I say to you, "Don't 'oo go and change." If you have begun in the right way, by giving your heart to Jesus, I do not fear for you. I only fear for those who have only sand for a foundation to their good works. Of the many children who have joined our Children's Association, some are not with us now. In the midst of their young labours they have heard the secret message, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." And they have gone up higher. Short was their working day, but long will be their joyful rest, for of each of these dear ones we have full confidence that they belonged to the fold of the Good Shepherd. Could these glorified little ones look down upon us from their happy home, I think they would say, We did not work hard enough for Jesus; do you who are left work harder." I think they would say, Oh, heaven is such a glorious place; do what you can to bring the poor children here." I think they would say, "There is nothing on earth worth doing compared with serving our dear Redeemer." Are there any reading this little book who will take their place amongst the workers? Jesus is looking down

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CHAPTER V. WANDERERS WELCOMED. "For the Father's fold it is warm and bright, O'er-flowing with love; and the door Is open to all of the little ones, For ever and evermore." ARY and Bobby were the children of a kind mother, but a drunken father. They used to attend a Ragged School with two little sisters. They were very wretched, naked, hungry children. We pitied them very much, and sometimes gave them, a bib, or a petticoat; but it never appeared the second time; the wretched father sold it for drink He did not care what his little children suffered; and so, through the long winter, they came hungry and barefooted to school. The poor mother was very unhappy, and she tried to think what she could do to comfort her little ones. She determined to go to service, and pay some woman to mind her children; but she found her wages would

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80 HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. the smallest child, a little boy with rosy cheeks and curly hair, was lifted up on the table beside Mr. Dallas; and he handed him first the letter, which Mr. Dallas read aloud; and then he gave the paper parcel, and Mr. Dallas opened it, and expressed his delight and his thanks. And then he took the little boy in his arms, and kissed him, and blessed him; and he told the children the kiss and the blessing was for them all; and all the children looked very much pleased; and then they answered some questions nicely; and after that the pretty things were taken from the tree, and given round to the children; and there was such joy, and such wonder, and such looking at each others' things as never was known before. And then we thought all the fun was over; but no, we were mistaken. A strange gentleman was present, and he was so interested in the children, that he came forward, and said he had a nice Magic Lantern, which he would be very glad to bring and shew them. Of course all were delighted; and so the Magic Lantern was brought; and the happy day had a very happy ending. And I think you will all agree with me in thinking that the children of The Birds' Nest had indeed, what we wish to every one of you, as year by year goes by,A HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

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THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 85 her glad voice in the hymn of praise; but we know her's is one of the most joyous voices raised in the heavenly song. And it may be that she and many another little one who on earth learned to care for poor children, for Jesus' sake, talk together of them there. When.we had thus started the Children's Association, I published a little penny book, entitled, "A few words to little Children who want to be like Jesus," and wrote about it in "Erin's Hope." I asked any little children who wished to join to write to me, and then prepared some cards ready for any children who might wish to collect. We took three wretched little children who wanted to get into the Birds' Nest, and a friend photographed them; from this a woodcut was made and printed on the cards; and then I waited a little while to see what would come of it. I felt like a gardener who had sown seed in a bed in his garden; or a farmer who has sown a field all over with wheat; or a little girl who has planted a geranium slip in a pot in her nursery window. I thought of some words of Jesus-"Any plant that my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up." And I watched to see whether my plants were of His planting. After some days there came a letter by post. It was directed in a lady's handwriting. There was nothing par-

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 95 which thou hast built; ..and mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually." Thoughts like these made us choose for our motto some words taken from an old house in Chester"God's Providence is mine Inheritance.' It is a wonderfully rich inheritance. Some one asked us, the other day, if we would not like to have all the money we should want for a year laid up in the bank. We said no, for we should lose many a lesson of trust and love. It is good to have empty vessels, if we may carry them to God to fill. It is good to have no earthly trust, for then we feel that we get nearer to Jesus, who is to us a Saviour ever near. It is written in God's Word, Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God shall keep your heart." If any of us had the responsibility of feeding and clothing all these children we should faint under the burden; but we feel we are only instruments, and God will surely provide; and so we cast our burden on Him, and He sustains us. Our first great trial about funds came soon after the formation of the Children's Association; it was in the month of October. The Committee met, and they looked

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98 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. asked the lady. "Well, if we had five dozen, it would give one to each girl." "Well," said the lady, "I have not any at all, and no money to buy; we must only wait." Five days after that a parcel arrived from the North of England; it contained almost the number of the articles required, and nothing else! The parcel was accompanied by a letter, apologizing for sending all the garments of one sort, as the little children who had made them could make nothing else. The lady was greatly astonished. She took the parcel to the Nest," and told the children how God had supplied their wants. Tears stood in many eyes as they listened, and they learned a lesson of trust in God they will never forget. Now, I want you to see how God was preparing the answer before the want came. You know He says, "Before they call, I will answer." And all the time those little children were putting in stitch after stitch, they were working out the will of God; and just when the need came the work was ready. In the first week of November, 1864, we had a remarkable instance of God's providings. On Friday the Committee met, and they found there were five vacancies to be filled up. Then the application papers were opened, -and there were no less than fifty-two of them,-some of them such distressing cases of destitution that they did not find it possible to refuse them. They chose out five

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HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 73 potatoes, to be bought; and the first question was-how much of each would be wanted? and the second was-how such a great dinner should be cooked? Both these questions required consultation and calculation; but at last the plans were all laid, and the children were told what their kind friend was going to do for them. There was a great clapping of hands, and a great shout of joy at the news. And from that time till Christmas-day there was as much pleasure in the hearts of the poor little children in the Nest as there is in the hearts of the little children who live in happy homes, and have kind papas and mammas, and elder brothers and sisters, who they know are preparing joyful surprises for Christmas-day. At length the Christmas-eve came, and on that day the preparations were to be made. Early in the morning three carts, loaded with ivy, and holly with red berries, arrived at the gate. And the boys were sent to carry it all in, which they accomplished in a wonderfully short time. Then, with the help of the girls, and directed by the schoolmaster and schoolmistress, the room was dressed up. Such a happy time it was! The sun shone in at the windows, and the hum of the mingled happy voices was right pleasant to hear. "Many hands made light work," and by the middle of the day the decorations were finished. Then came the girls with brooms to sweep out the rub-

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CALLED AND CHOSEN. 149 bring you to heaven. Mother, do read God's book, and listen to Mr. S-; he'll teach you. Oh! mother, I wish you would give your heart to Jesus; He would make you happy." He was told that a friend had been inquiring for him. He said, "Tell him that Pat says good-bye." But this was not to be Pat's good-bye; he revived, and, after six months' stay in the hospital, was discharged as incurable. Again he was an inmate of the wretched home in which the missionary first found him, and there it was that I first became acquainted with him. It was a cold, snowy evening, in the early part of January, and we had to walk very quickly through the narrow streets to keep ourselves warm. When we reached the house we had to mount three flights of winding stairs before we found the garret which was Pat's home. The door was standing a little open, and we entered without being seen. It was, indeed, a desolate place; a broken chair, an old form, and an iron pot turned upside down, was all the furniture. In one corner was a morsel of straw, covered with a bit of old carpet, which formed a bed. Although it was not more than enough for one child to lie on, it was the only resting-place for the whole family.

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CALLED AND CHOSEN. 147 to find their way home as best they could; and many a poor mother was searching until late at night for her lost ones. On one of these terrible days little Pat was seized by a priest, who was carrying him away in his arms, when his missionary friend saw him, and, to the great joy of the little boy, rescued him. That terrible time passed away, and again the smitten flock assembled in peace; and many were the prayers they oftered up for their enemies, and many the thanksgivings that the Good Shepherd had so watched over them, and quieted the raging of the enemy. We don't know why it is, but sometimes God sends very great trials to even little children. He knows best; and the roughest path is often the shortest, if it only lead right upwards. Thus it was with this poor ragged boy; he had not been many weeks at school when his teachers noticed that he grew paler and thinner, and he complained of pain in his leg; then he had to. sit all day, and he could not go out to play with the other children; still he loved to come to school, and, though he could not read, he learned a great many texts of Scripture, and a great many hymns, quite perfectly. His voice was very sweet and soft, and it was quite a pleasure to hear him sing.

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DAILY WORK. 65 is this to be done ?" and, "Please, what shape-patch shall I put here ?" and, Wouldn't it be best to make these two pinafores into one?" &c., &c. But by-and-by all is in fair progress; and then one starts a hymn, and all join; and by the time that is done, perhaps the door opens, and some dear friend enters with a book in her hand, and a chair is soon found for her, right in the middle; and the supper-bell rings before the story is half read, so it shall be finished next day. Now for a peep on a summer's evening. It is eight o'clock, but it is yet light, and for the last half-hour there has been undressing going on. And when the night-gown was on, and the clothes folded, each little one knelt down beside its bed to thank God for all His blessings, and to ask for more for itself and all its friends. And now they are all in bed-forty-five-in the infants' dormitory; and we open the door and peep in. Some one at the far end spies us, and strikes up a hymn of welcome, and in a moment all are sitting up to join; and the sounds are heard in the other rooms, and some who have not begun to undress come in, so we have quite a concert. And then we say good-bye, and the children go to sleep; and we pray that each one of those rescued little ones may have a place amongst the white-robed company above, who shall sing the new song unto Him that loved them. E

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NOT ALONE. 135 Speaking on the same subject to another friend, she said, "If we were at school, how glad we would be when the holidays drew near, and the time came for us to go home! And how glad I shall be when the call comes for me to go HOME When people are in a ship, and when it has been very stormy, they enjoy reaching the harbour far more than when they have had a good passage; so I do be often thinking that I shall enjoy heaven much more than those who never had any pain." Poor Emily! it was no wonder she longed for home and rest-her's was indeed a stormy passage; but the bright light of heaven streamed on the waters, and this light brightened up the common things of life, and she saw all things in the light of God. One day a friend brought her some fruit; she said, "What beautiful fruit! how it reminds me of the fruit that grows on the tree of life in the midst of the paradise of God, which He will give me to eat of." Another day, some time after, a friend brought her a bit of hawthorn, onwhich the leaves were bursting out in their fresh spring green; she looked at it, and said, Isn't it like as if God's smiles were coming down to us?" During one night in November she was much worse than usual. Towards morning she said to the kind friends with whom she lodged, "I thought, a while ago,

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116 GOD'S PROVIDINGS. and delight in hearing a story read to them while they are working. Besides these there are voluntary helpers who have never seen our nestlings-helpers with money-helpers with clothing-helpers with prayer. And in the ranks of these workers there is yet room, and volunteers will be gladly welcomed. Are there any reading this book who have not begun to work for Jesus? You have often thought you would LIKE to do something. Well, just take up some work for the Nest-heart-work in praying, or hand-work in sewing, or head-work in collecting. Some of those who began to do this work for Jesus on earth have met in glory with some of the rescued ones. Perhaps they were the first to welcome them. What a joy that would be and stillThere are little ones glancing about on thy path, In need of a friend and a guide; There are dim little eyes looking up unto them, Whose tears could be easily dried. But Jesus may beckon the children away In the midst of their grief or their glee; Will any of them, at the Beautiful Gate, Be waiting and watching for thee? There are dear ones at home thou may'st bless with thy love There are wretched ones pacing the street; There are friendless and suffering strangers around There are tempted and poor thou must meet.

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NOT ALONE. 131 Her heart was moved for the miseries of those around her; she thought of their darkness and ignorance; she knew that many of them were, as she once was, ignorant of the only true source of comfort, and she prayed that God would enable her to speak to some of them, and lead them to Jesus. Lying in the next bed was a poor woman, and with her Emily commenced her missionary work. She repeated over and over texts of Scripture, until the dull ear of the poor woman took them in, and God opened her heart to receive them. Then Emily would talk to her in her own sweet way, telling her of the love of Jesus, and how He casts out none that come to Him. The poor woman came to Jesus; and though she left that hospital, she was, not long afterwards, an inmate of another, where she died rejoicing in Christ as her Saviour. When the dear child was told of this she did not shew any surprise; it was what she had asked of God, and He had answered her prayer; and when one expressed astonishment that so much should have been learned in so short a time, Emily said it was no wonder, because the poor woman had been taught by the Holy Spirit. During this long winter in the hospital Emily endeared herself to all about her, although the false story of her "wickedness" had been told to all the nurses, in order

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 43 her, and took her in until she could get a place for her in the Birds' Nest. Another bright, merry child came to the Nest in a sad state. Her mother was a widow, nearly blind, who tried to support her children by selling little things in a basket. A lady who knew her deep distress got admission for little Louise; but when she brought her, it was found that the child's head was dreadfully sore. Miss C, who happened to be at the Nest at the time, hesitated about receiving her, because of the other children; but our good matron could not bear to turn one away. "I will cure it," she said; "do take her in:" and her request was granted. Here are two little girls, of seven and eight years old, standing hand-in-hand; they love each other very much, and they look up as if they were used to being loved. They never were very miserable. Their mother was a happy Christian, one who managed her large family well, and made her husband's small earnings go as far as possible; but last year she died, and the older ones being boys, there was none to care for Margery and Louise; and the father's health and earnings failed, so the little girls were admitted to The Birds' Nest. They are pleasant, happy children, and dearly love the good matron. There, in the play-ground, are two little boys, each

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. I01 I went out to the Nest as soon as I could. The first thing the Matron said was, I do wish we could have new blankets.' 'They are coming,' I said; 'God has given them.' Then I went into the schoolroom, and told the story. An earnest, solemn look was on each face; tears stood in many eyes; we felt Jesus was near. And I could not help thinking that it was something like the feeling in that crowd, long ago, when Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me.' Some little nestling lying cold in bed, I feel sure, had told Jesus-the need, and had thus brought help. I was telling an old Christian woman in Wales, one day, something of Jesus' providing in the Birds' Nest. She looked at me with eyes full of tears, and said, I can't say in English exactly what I mean; but don't you feel sometimes as if Jesus was close beside you, and you could take hold of His hand?' It is thus He comes in our darkness, and gives us unexpected help; and, with the disciples, we can only exclaim, 'It is the Lord!'" "From the glorious heaven, Where the angels are, God lo6ks down on children, Seeth them afar; Heareth all they ask for All the night and day; Watches like a father All their work and play.

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62 DAILY WORK. before very long somewhere about a dozen of the elder girls come in, and the little ones are soon carried off to the washing-rooms down stairs, where they are washed, and dressed, and brushed, and then turned out into the playground to wait for breakfast. Some time before the streak of sunlight roused up the little boy in the infants' dormitory, the elder boys were up and dressed, beds were neatly made, and if you want to know where the boys are, you must listen for the sound of scrubbing-brush, shoe-brush, or knife-board, for this is the time for household work for the boys; and very much delighted they are to be permitted to take their share. Do you know we are quite proud of our boys, they are such pleasant, industrious fellows, and so fond of work. Just before breakfast-time these busy workers assemble in their washing-room, to change their clothes and wash; and when the breakfast-bell rings at half-past eight o'clock, boys, girls, and infants are all ready to march into the dining-room. The sun never shone upon a happier set of children. It is a comfort to look at them seated round the tables, each provided with a good piece of bread, and a little tin can filled with hot cocoa. Breakfast is soon despatched, and then there is a run in the play-ground; and at nine o'clock the children divide into three companies,-boys, girls,

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104 GOD'S PROVIDINGS fore didst thou doubt?' In that time of need how our hearts rejoiced when we thought of the many friends who were praying, and trusting, and watching; and how anxiously we listened for the postman's knock, how eagerly we opened the letters, how words of cheer encouraged I am praying for a thousand pounds,' said one; 'I am sure you will get it.' Did we? Yes; just three weeks from that 22nd of December. On the 12th of January the last pound of the £1,158 was paid; and while the lists were being printed, we kept the balancesheet open, and gathered a little store for January. In the £1,158 there were only three large sums-one note for £20, two for £0o; all the rest was sent in small collections. By many hands our Father helped us-many hearts He used to pray; and now many hearts will send forth songs of praise. I could not help telling all this on the first page. I know how those who have been praying will be watching for the answer: weak ones on their sick beds, earnest workers in the day's heat, little children gathered around a mother's knee, classes in Sunday Schools, and Children's Associations. Thank God, dear friends, He has answered your prayers largely, abundantly. We want you not only to thank God for the abundant supply of our needs, but for the spirit of earnest prayer poured out on the Collectors, and on the little children of the

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HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 81 CHRISTMAS DAY. 'Tis Christmas Day-glad voices Awake the solemn sound, And happy voices in our home, And healthful looks around. Why do we thus keep Christmas morn ?It is the day when Christ was born. With little gifts that tell our love, With garlands on the wall, With thankful hearts and helpful hands, We keep a festival. Why do we thus keep Christmas morn?It is the day when Christ was born. Full eighteen hundred years ago, Christ Jesus came on earth: He came, He rose, He died for usWe thank God for His birth. And therefore we keep Christmas morn, The day our Saviour Christ was born. Christ healed the sick, and helped the poor, While He was here on earth. Do what you can to be like Him, This morning of His birth. Help some one to keep Christmas morn, The day our Saviour Christ was born. F

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CALLED AND CHOSEN. 153 It was quite wonderful to see the peace and happiness of this dear little child in the midst of his poverty, every little gift was received with such thanks. One day a lady brought him an oranges the gift of her little nephew. "What message will you send him?" she asked. Tell him," he said, "I wish him to be as happy as I am." He was asked what he did when the great pain came on. "I ask Jesus to give me patience," he said, "and then I can bear it." Only once I heard of him being at all impatient. It was Sunday morning, and the bells were ringing, and he thought of the many happy Sundays that he had spent at the Ragged School, and he longed so much to go again that tears rolled down his cheeks. Then his mother took him in her arms to the window, that he might see the people go by, and this amused him a little. It was a great trial to him that his mother could not enter into his feelings. She was a Roman Catholic, and did not at all understand how any one could be happy in the thought of death. Pat tried to teach her that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin;" but she would not learn the lesson; only when he sang his hymns for her she listened; perhaps even yet the Holy Spirit may

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 113 "Very soon after, finding that the boys had been received, the mother went to the convent, and with some difficulty got the girls released. They looked strong and well. Their faith had been strengthened by adversity. When they went to the Nest they were received with open arms. There was almost as much surprise and joy as there was in that upper room at Jerusalem when Peter was given to the prayers of the brethren. Lizzie says she taught many of her hymns to the children in the convent, and we can still pray that the good seed may spring up. These two girls are now nearly ready to go out to .service. They are very anxious to begin to earn, that they may help their poor mother. They have been lately very much pleased to be allowed to make some underclothes for her; and when one of them got a present of a shilling at Christmas, she sent it at once to her mother, with such a loving letter The poor woman brought it to shew, she was so pleased." Very soon after Christmas this poor mother died. Amongst "God's providings" for the Nest I think we ought to count all the "office-bearers." At the beginning of 1869, we had to get a new Matron. You know a Matron is a very important person in such a Home as the Birds' Nest. She has to be the mother of the family; she has to see that proper food is bought, and H

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CHAPTER VI. A PILGRIM GOING HOME." HE was a little orphan pilgrim. She had met with many trials on the way, but on Monday evening, the Ist of December, she reached her Father's house, and the angel at the gate welcomed her, for he saw that she had been washed and made clean in the blood of the Lamb, and on her forehead Jesus had written His new name. I want to tell you something about her pilgrimage, and how, With a childlike trust, she gave her hand To the mighty Friend by her side; The only thing she said to Him As He took it, was--'Hold it fast, Suffer me not to lose my way, And bring me home at last.' The little pilgrim's name was Annie. She once had a kind, loving father, who took great care of her; but he was taken ill, and he lay for a very long time in consump-

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77i: M6 ~44 tI I -1 ii trip we PAGE 60

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Ii6 THE FIRST DEATH, who had long been ill, was taken safe home. I wrote her story at the time, and it shall be put in here exactly as it is. It was published in a little book, and called "Not Alone."

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124 THE FIRST DEATH. "whiter than snow." They are all "safe at home" with Jesus. No more pain and sorrow for them. God himself has "wiped away all tears from their eyes." The first that. died was little Nanny Slattery. It was in April, 1860. Measles had broken out in the Nest, but only Nanny was dangerously ill. She was a dear child of about six years of age. It was Saturday night when the doctor said there was no hope; but Nanny was not at all afraid to die. On Sunday she was singing her favourite hymn, "Come to Jesus," in quite a loud voice. Many times during the day she clasped her little hands in prayer, murmuring portions of the Lord's Prayer-" Father in heaven, thy will be done; forgive our trespasses." In the middle of Sunday night she died. When the other children got up in the morning, they felt very sad to think that one was entirely gone away; but their sadness was mixed up with joy, for they knew Nanny was with Jesus. And they could not help feeling as if they themselves were a little nearer heaven than they were before. On Tuesday morning the body was to be buried, and a little grave was prepared in a corner of the old graveyard around the ruins of the Kill of the Grange." The sun was shining bright and warm, and the birds were singing in the budding trees; and as we waited in the

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CONCLUSION. 191 Beneath the spreading heavens no creature but is fed, And He who feeds the ravens will give His children bread." Therefore we will not fear. During the last twelve years upwards of four hundred children have found a home in the Birds' Nest. Of these only twenty-four have died; some have been taken away by friends able to support them; some have been taken away and placed in convents; many are out in situations as faithful servants; and one hundred and ninety remain in the Nest. We thank God that so much has been accomplished; that we have been enabled to cheer so many desolate lives; that friends have been found for the friendless, comfort for the comfortless, a home for the homeless. Ours is a winter Birds' Nest,-a nest for times of cold, and want, and snow; but it is surrounded with trees of lovingkindness-evergreen; and the more intense the cold, and the deeper the darkness, of desolate lives, the more warm and bright must be our Nest, the more we shall need M'LAREN & ERSKINE, PRINTERS, GLASGOW.

134 NOT ALONE. would take her to himself; "But," she said, "I try to have no will about it; whatever my Heavenly Father sees to be best for me, I shall like." As winter came on Emily grew worse, and by-and-by she was not able to leave her bed. One Sunday in October her kind friend visited her. She was suffering extremely, another abscess having formed; and the poor dear child was too weak to get up, and yet was suffering too much to allow her to lie down. Her poor pale face brightened up, as it always did on seeing those she loved, and she smiled so sweetly and gratefully at having her back propped up with pillows. Her first words were, "I am so weary, so very weary, I cannot get up, and I cannot lie down, I am so weary." Well, dear, there is rest at home; there is no pain there, but only joy and peace. Would you like, Emily dear, to go home?" Her eyes beamed with such delight as she said, "Oh! indeed, indeed I would." After speaking to her for some time longer about home, and the joy of seeing Jesus face to face, and being for ever in our Father's house, she said, But don't you think that I shall enjoy heaven more than you? it will be such rest. Oh! I love to think of the rest; it is so niceis it not?"

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156 CALLED AND CHOSEN. 't prayer was answered, he had no fear in "the valley of the shadow of death." On the Saturday before, he appeared much stronger than usual, and sang many of his favourite hymns"Here's a message of love;" "I think, when I read;" and "Gentle Jesus, meek and mild." Of this last he was particularly fond. He sang it all through. When he had sung the lines"In the kingdom of thy grace Grant a little child a place," he said, "A happy, happy place for ME." As I heard this, gazing at the wasted form of the little boy, I tried to think of the wondrous change from that body of pain, and miserable garret, to the happy, happy place in the bosom of Jesus, in the midst of the glories which eye hath not seen; but, oh, we could not realize that-we can only say, "Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." No stone marks the spot where Pat's little body lies; but the Good Shepherd knows it, and He will watch over it until the resurrection morning, when the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised, and we shall ever be with the Lord.

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66 DAILY WORK. On Saturday school is over at twelve o'clock, and the elder girls immediately set to work to scrub floors, which keeps them busy almost all day. Several of the girls have responsibilities all to themselves. One has to take care of the tin cans, another of the knives and forks; several of them have to help in keeping the wardrobes; and others act as mothers to a certain number of the small children. If our girls were not very industrious they never would be able to do all the work of the house, as till they have passed their examination they must be in school in the morning hours; but they get up very early, especially on washing days, and work so heartily, that the great house is at all times a pattern of cleanliness. One day I was down at the Nest during the girls' half-hour's play, which they always have in the middle of school. I was passing the laundry, when I saw three girls hard at work. I said, Well done, little women; but why are you not at play? "Oh!" said one, "it is play-hour; but we like work better than play." And so, of their own accord, they were spending the half-hour in folding and ironing clothes. I turned away, feeling very thankful that such was the spirit of these dear girls; and I wondered less than I had done before at the cleanliness of the house, and at the success of those who go out. Our desire for the children is,

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NOT ALONE. 139 talk to that poor girl, and asking God to teach me how to begin, and she began by saying, Emily, you ought to pray to the Lord to take you soon.' I asked why; and she said, Because, don't you know, on Christmas day, and for twelve days after, the gates of heaven stand wide open, night and day.' 'Yes,' I said, 'but not only thenthe gates of heaven are always wide open, and Jesus won't turn away any who believe in Him.' I don't think you are right there,' she said. 'Believing is not enough. This is the way it is-we must do our best to make ourselves good, and then Jesus will take pity on us, and make up the rest.' I told her the story of the prodigal son; how he had nothing but his misery and poverty to recommend him to his father, but how the father fell on his neck and kissed him. She liked the story very much, and said she did not know the Bible was such an interesting book. I said it was full of such beautiful stories, and I would read some, if she liked. She was very glad. Then I sang for her, Just as I am,' and she liked it so much that she learned it. Oh! it was such a happy evening." That poor young woman went out of the hospital very soon after, and we do not know whether the seed thus sown has yet sprung up; but we know that God has promised that His word shall not be lost.

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CHAPTER V. GOING FORWARD. The Lord shall increase you more and more, you, and your children." S mentioned in an earlier chapter, we had determined to build a new Nest for our Birdiesbut we found it very difficult to get a suitable piece of ground, so we took a larger house, and in a very short time our numbers rose to sixty-four. The new comers easily fell into the orderly ways of those who had been trained to good habits, and so there was little difficulty; and as time went on we were induced to increase the number to eighty-one. In every available spot of the house were the little beds laid down, and the assembly at meals was a goodly sight to behold. Down the centre of the room was a long table, occupied by the elder boys and girls, and round by the walls were high forms for tables, and low forms for seats, for the little ones, and yet there was the greatest order amongst them; and

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IO INTRODUCTORY. have early learned to love the Lord Jesus Christ, and are earnestly longing to have something to do for Him. When He was here on earth He took the little children in His own arms and blessed them. He cares for them still, and looks down on them with compassionate love, but He looks to His people to comfort them. It was because there were so many poor little children to be comforted that The Birds' Nest was opened; and it was because so many dear children in happy homes wanted to help, that we formed what we call the CHILDREN'S ASSOcIATION, to the members of which this little book is dedicated. An account of the Association and its work will be found farther on. The children have done much, but not yet half what is needed, for the daily expenditure of such an institution as THE BIRD'S NEST. In this great work there is room enough for all, and we would earnestly call upon all those into whose hands this book may fall, to come forward and help. We know there are many calls upon the purse of charity, but amongst the many claiming the sympathies of those whom God has made stewards of His bounty, homes for the destitute must evertake a high place. And why? Because our Father in heaven comforts His dying people with the sweet promise, "Leave thy fatherless children, and I will preserve them alive;

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84 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. happy this will make them, for Jesus said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." So I asked Jesus about it all, and then formed a Children's Association. My own name was put down as Secretary, and three little children who lived in the same house were the first members. We made three resolutions,We will pray for the Birds' Nest. We will work'for the Birds' Nest. We will collect for the Birds' Nest. The very first thing we did was to pray. And once every week regularly, and on every special occasion, we went into a room together in the dark; and then we talked a little together of our wants; and then we knelt down, and each one prayed. And as we got on a little we 'found that we had thanks to offer as well as prayer; and before we knelt we counted our mercies as well as our wants; and so in everything, with praise and thanksgiving, our wants were made known to our Heavenly Father, who seeth in secret. One of these little girls, the youngest, is not with us now; she is gone to dwell in that fair land where The streets are shining gold, And the glory is untold." We miss her earnest voice at our prayer meetings, and

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16 HOW WE BEGAN. be responsible for the new "Home:" It shall be in the country," she said; "and we will call it 'THE BIRDS' NEST.'" The first thing this good lady did was to write an article in the little magazine called Erin's Hope," telling of the new idea, and asking children to help; and then a Committee of four ladies was formed. It was some little time before a suitable house could be found, but at last one was discovered up a little country road near Kingstown. It belonged to a kind gentleman, who, when he knew what it was wanted for, charged a very low rent. It was just the thing for a nest of birdies, snug and small,and having roses climbingup the smallporch. The house wanted some repairs, and the introduction of gas pipes, before it would be ready to be inhabited; but however, by the end of September all was finished, and the ladies assembled in the new Nest. The first thing they did was to kneel down to thank God that He had so, far helped them, and to pray that a great blessing might rest upon that Home, and that it might be a nursery for heaven. Then they chose a nice motherly woman for a matron, and the little child was brought in and adopted as the first nestling; then came another girl, a little older, and a boy and girl, (brother and sister;) thus we had four to begin with; and very happy they were in their Home.

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86 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. ticular about it; but the inside caused me great joy. It was written in letters copied out of printed books, each letter about an inch long, and the words, My dear Secretary," filled the first page. When I had read it all, I found it contained the request of a little girl, that I would send her a collecting-card. And I did send her a card, and wrote her a letter directed to herself; and after that the postman often brought me letters from little children wanting cards; and some from fathers and mothers, who were delighted that their children had found a work for Jesus so suitable to them. One of their dear, loving mothers says, "I feel truly interested; it is so nice for children to feel that God will graciously employ them in such a work. I trust, in this coming year, if spared, to know and to feel more of the power of prayer, to pray more, and to watch more for answers to prayer; and your little book has come to help me in this, by giving such marked answers to your prayers, and those of your dear children. My child, who will take up the card, is my only one, and not strong. I mention this to you, because I feel your hearts are large enough to take other people's children in; and when you pray for the young collectors and helpers in your interesting work, you will include my boy in your petition. May God bless and prosper you abundantly, even as He has promised, and He is faithful."

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DAILY WORK. 61 largest number of children for the smallest sum of money. And after thinking and planning a great deal, we were obliged to take the plan that was the very simplest possible. It is ugly, I allow, outside, but it is economical and useful. The beauty is all inside. Who cares about the casket when compared with the precious jewels it contains ? who cares about the purse when compared with the money it contains ? And so we do not care about the outside of the house, when we think of the precious jewels that are there being polished and prepared for the Saviour's casket. We are content that no money has been wasted; and though a great deal has been spent-much more than we at first thought would have been enough-yet it is all put to good practical purposes. I have elsewhere described the plan of the building; now let us peep inside, and see what goes on there. It is just break of day, on a fine spring morning. The green blinds of the great dormitories are drawn down, but through the line left at the edge a bright beam of sunlight stretches in; it rests on a little iron cot-bed covered with a bright patchwork quilt; it kisses the rosy cheek of a curly-headed sleeper; he wakes up, and looks round on his sleeping companions. Forty-five such little iron beds, inhabited by forty-five such sleepers, are in that room; but they are not to sleep much longer: one after another awakes, and

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1.30 NOT ALONE. there were many other beds; and many patients came and went, some cured of their diseases, and some called to another world. But with Emily month after month passed away with little change, except that she grew weaker, and the two red spots in her cheeks grew brighter, and the great pain of her leg obliged her to lie in one position through the weary nights and days. Her little Bible lay under her pillow; but at first she did not know how much consolation it would give her in her pain. One night she was lying awake, suffering very much, and she thought, "I know the Bible comforts many people, sure there must be enough in it to comfort me." It was too dark to read it then, so she went over in her mind some of the texts she had learned, and she soon found what she needed-"Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth;" and, "I will make all thy bed in thy sickness." "These," she said, "I repeated over and over again, and they did comfort me so." Sometimes she had to go through painful operations. When speaking of these, she said, "I never could have borne them if I had not known Jesus; but His arms were always around me." Rough paths, indeed, were these to walk in, but the marks of the Saviour's footsteps were there; they lay thick and close, and Emily stepped into them.

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CHAPTER II. NOT ALONE. THINK if you had seen little Emily when she was first brought to the Ragged School, you would have said, "What a nice little girl! I should just like to make clothes for her, and buy her some shoes, and take care of her." And yet her mother, who brought her, said that she was a very wicked little girl, that she was disobedient, that she told lies, and that she could not keep her any longer in her house. The ladies of the Committee did not know how to believe this story; and one of them said to Emily, Is it true that you are such a naughty little girl?" She smiled very sweetly, and said, I try not to be, ma'am." And if we take you into our Dormitory, will you try to be obedient?"-" Oh! yes, ma'am; please take me." And when she was told she should stay for a month, such a look of joy came into her face, that the ladies felt quite sure the story was untrue.

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CHAPTER VIII. HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. "It is more blessed to give than to receive." OW I think I must tell you something about Christmas time in the Birds' Nest; and how the real Holly and Ivy, and the real time of joy, comes to the poor birdies. If I give you the history of one Christmas it will do for a specimen. Well, there "is a kind gentleman who lives near the Nest, and who very often watches the procession of one hundred and fifty boys and girls going to church on Sundays, and sees their good behaviour there. About a fortnight before Christmas time a very kind thought came into his head and heart-it was this: I will give those dear children a real Christmas dinnerbeef and plum pudding. He asked a lady to manage it for him, and he would pay the money. This lady had a kind heart and a wise head, and so she sat down to make her calculations. There were raisins and currants, and sugar and suet, and flour and bread, and beef and

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"A PILGRIM GOING HOME." I73 "No, dear." "Because I asked Jesus to take away my pain, and He has done so." After this she fell into a kind of sleep; and while she slept she was taken home: "Home! where the Bridegroom takes The purchase of His loveHome! where the Father waits To welcome saints above." On Wednesday morning dear Annie was laid in her grave. The words of our beautiful Burial Service, repeated over one who had died in such a hope, seemed to gather new force and meaning-" We commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like His glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby He is able to subdue all things to himself." "I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours."

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GOD'S CARE. 27 FEAR NOT. "YEA, fear not--fear not, little ones; There is in heaven an eye That looks with yearning fondness down On every path you try. 'Tis He who guides the sparrow's wing, And guards her little brood; Who hears the ravens when they cry, And fills them all with food. 'Tis He who clothes the fields with flowers, And pours the light abroadj 'Tis He who numbers all your hours, Your Father and your God. Ye are the chosen of His love, His most peculiar care; And will He guide the fluttering dove, And not regard your prayer? Nay, fear not-fear not, little ones; There is in heaven an eye That looks with yearning fondness down On all the paths you try. He'll keep you when the storm is wild, And when the flood is near; Oh, trust Him, trust Him, little child, And you have nought to fear."

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 117 There are many unthought of, whom, happy and blest, In the land of the leal thou wilt see; Will any of them, at the Beautiful Gate, Be waiting and watching for thee ? We feel sure that our Heavenly Father will still, by the hand of His people, provide for our nestlings, and will open out paths for them in life, and guide them all along, for His PROVIDENCE IS OUR INHERITANCE.

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152 CALLED AND CHOSEN. "Jesus is there." "Why else? "There is no sin there." "Why else?" "There is no pain there." "Why else?" "Tears shall be all wiped away." "How do you know that ?" 'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.'" "What are you to Jesus?" I'm His little lamb." "And what is Jesus to you?" He's my Good Shepherd." "And what does the Good Shepherd do for His little lambs?" "He takes them in His arms, and carries them in His bosom." "Do you know what David said about the valley of the shadow of death ?" "Yes: 'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.' "David was not afraid; but are you?" "No; Jesus is with me; His rod and His staff comfort me. Oh, I should like to die to-morrow!"

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HOW WE KEEP CHRISTMAS. 77 flags at the top, and each article on the tree had the name of a child upon it, Tables were set up around the tree, for the children were to have tea and cake, and they were to be questioned, and friends were to be present to listen, and share the fun. The little children of the Nest were not allowed to see the preparations till all was ready; but they did not mind this, for they had a secret too, and felt themselves quite important. I think I must let you into their secret. Well, you know Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and Miss Howard thought the nestlings should, on this grand occasion, taste of the pleasure of giving. So she got a piece of canvas, and prepared the pattern of a lamp-stand, to be given by the children to Mr. Dallas. She determined that each child should at least put in a stitch. This was not very easy to manage; but if Miss Howard once set her heart upon a thing, she would be sure to carry it out. She arranged the children all in a row around the schoolroom, then she took a chair and sat at the head of them, with the work in her hand. She then gave the order for a very slow march, and as each child came up to her, it put in one stitch. In this way all had a little share; and the work was afterwards finished by some of the elder girls. It was quite a pretty lamp-stand. When it was ready, a letter was written, signed by all the children who could

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 107 their eyes; some looked surprised; some gave a satisfied little nod, which said, as plainly as words, 'I knew it would come.' All learned a lesson of the reality and power of prayer. "Another marked providence was about clothing. There are forty little boys in the infant school; all summer they were dressed in white flannel suits made of strong Irish flannel, the gift of our faithful friend, Lady S. B.; over this they had little pinafores. When that cold, sharp weather came in October, these poor little fellows looked very cold, going out to walk, as they had no overcoats. That very day that we had the talk about praying, the Matron told me how much these forty little boys wanted more wintry clothing; I said, 'We have no money, but we must see what can be done.' A few days afterwards a lady noticed these little boys, and asked about their coats; the Matron said that we were hoping for something for them, but could not buy. As she went home the ,sharp east wind blew keenly in her face; she felt cold even well wrapped up. I must do something for these poor little fellows,' she said, and she determined to ask each of her friends to contribute one shilling. Many hearts were touched to give more, and in five days she had £1o. It was Saturday, and she came to town to ask if we could possibly buy a coat each with this money, and if we could

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170 "A PILGRIM GOING HOME." anxious to spend as much time as possible with her before she was taken hence. She received me with her sweet, grateful smile, and so gladly changed her position to lay her tired head on my shoulder. For a few moments she slept, and waking said, I have been thinking a great deal of what you read about the gates of heaven, and the angel at the gate ready to let in all Christ's children." Then, looking up with an earnest gaze, she said, "Do you think there is any fear of me?" It was a solemn question. How my heart rejoiced at that moment to know there was no fear. I said, "Surely not; you believe in Jesus, do you not ?" "Yes," replied the child; I've trusted Him long. No, no," she added, "there's no fear. He said himself, 'Him that cometh unto. ME, I will in no wise cast out.' After this her breathing was very laboured, her eyes were closed; we almost thought she was going. Her nurse said, Dear Annie! how patiently she suffers." The child roused herself. "Why shouldn't I suffer patiently?" she said. "It's nothing to what Jesus suffered for me." I said, He looked for comforters, and found none." "I have plenty," she said, with a grateful smile.

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. 105 Nest. There seems to have been such a strong confidence in God; such a hold taken of His strength; such an absence of human trust. The dark time has been a time of spiritual blessing to many; and many a little child has learned that God is indeed 'a very present help in time of need.' "We know that all our good gifts come from Jesus, and it is very sweet to take each little crumb as from His hands; but some of our gifts have come in such an astonishing way that the story must be told. Having been away longer than usual in summer, when I reached home in October, the first question was, How are the funds of the Birds' Nest? £700 in debt, was the answer. It never was so bad before, though we are always in advance in October. I went the next day to the Nest, and told the children all about it, describing to them how much bread, potatoes, and cocoa cost every day, and there was now nothing to pay for them. Then I asked, 'What shall we do?' Some very little girls said they thought we ought to send the baker's cart away, and tell him not to come any more; they would do without bread. You poor little things,' I said, 'what would you say if you came down and found no breakfast to-morrow morning? you cannot do without bread.' 'But we must,' said a little trembling voice, 'if there is no money to pay.' 'No,'

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16o WANDERERS WELCOMED. thought of their Father in heaven, and they knelt down and asked Him to take care of them. When they rose from their knees, it came into Mary's mind to go to the house of a lady they had seen at the school, and tell her their trouble. It was a very cold evening in January, half-melted snow lay in the streets, and rain and hail came driving down; but the poor children struggled on with their bare heads and naked feet. Their hearts nearly failed them as they went up the hall-door steps; but Bobby seized the bell and gave it one sudden pull, and it rang, and the servant came to the door; his mistress was out, but he had a kind and tender heart; he listened to the tale of sorrow, and took them to wait in the hall. It happened that the lady's business out on that winter evening had been to seek for these very children, and she had been unable to find where they lived. Great was her surprise when she came to find them in her own hall. They began to tell their story, but she soon told them the good news that they were to go to the Birds' Nest. Oh, how glad they were! little Mary dried up her tears, and Bobby looked at his bleeding feet, and then into the lady's face, and said, "Please, sal me have sues dere ?" Before many minutes the children were standing before the kitchen fire warming their frozen limbs; and then

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THE FIRST DEATH. 125 graveyard we thought of the resurrection morning, when those graves shall be opened, and the bodies of Christ's people shall arise, beautiful and glorious. This was a joyful thought. Then we looked at the many gravestones placed over Roman Catholics who had been buried hoping for nothing better than purgatory; and we mourned there should, be so many still living in the like ignorance. But while we thought on these things there came a sound of solemn singing, and looking towards the road we saw the funeral procession. The coffin, borne by eight of the schoolboys in turn, was followed by thirty little children of the Nest, and many more schoolfellows, with the teachers. As they walked along they sang sweet hymns; and when they wound up the little green lane, and entered the churchyard, they were met by a missionary clergyman the children all loved very much. Then all assembled round the grave; and when the service had been read, and the little coffin put down, a few solemn earnest words were spoken to the children, and they sang, "Come to Jesus," and Shall we ever meet again?" and the little ones went home, solemnly singing as they went. We felt very thankful that the first death should be such a happy one; we feel quite sure that little Nanny Slattery is in heaven. Just one year after Nanny's death another nestling,

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88 THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. year it has grown, and strengthened, and yielded richer and richer fruits. When we made up the account at the end of its first year, and found that the children had sent £35, we were very much delighted. And year by year the sum increased more and more, till last year, 1870, it was more than £900. A wonderful, blessing seems to rest on all engaged in this work, and wonderful pleasure it brings with it. Feeding and clothing hungry children is such a real work -a work that very small children can understand; and it seems quite worth while to give only a penny, when it will pay for one breakfast. And fourpence seems quite a large sum when it will feed a nestling for a whole day. And then, when a party of children form themselves into an association, and collect enough for the entire support of one or two children, they feel all the responsibility of fathers and mothers, and all sorts of little plans are devised for the good of "our nestling." Even the very little ones can help to make a patchwork quilt to cover its bed, and the boys can knit stockings for it, or make a scrapbook; and all can save or collect money. In our great Children's Association there are all sorts of workers. I often think I should like to see them all in one view. I can only imagine what a sight it would

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12 INTRODUCTORY. without many fears that funds might not come in for their support. But the cases were so pressing that one after another the Committee could not refuse; and they felt that He who caused twelve baskets of fragments to remain after the multitude had fed on five barley loaves, would also cause a blessing to rest on the "basket and store" of The Birds' Nest, if only the children were received in His name. So the poor little friendless ones have found a home on earth, where they are being trained for a HOME in glory"A home so happy and so bright,A home of rest aboveWhere, clothed in raiment pure and white, In that sweet home of love, No more a ragged orphan wild, But dressed in white array, Our God shall own the homeless child, And wipe its tears away."

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56 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. "Little children are never hungry And mothers are never sad; Where there's nothing to make them sorry, And plenty to make them glad." There is one wee child in the Nest who attracts everybody's attention. What do you think her name is ?" JENNY ROBIN." Is not that a nice name for a birdie? She is very little, and has eyes as bright as the real robins that hop about in winter. Jenny has a mother who loves her very much; but she has a little child younger than Jenny. She earns £8 a-year, and pays £4 to the nurse who takes care of him. With the rest she clothes herself. She was a Roman Catholic; and when I first saw her in her poor home she knew nothing of Jesus and His love. Now she is a real Christian, and is so thankful to have Jenny in the Nest. Two dear little girls came from the country to the Nest quite lately. Their names are Mary and Nannie. Mary is ten years old; Nannie is eight. Their case was so pressing that we were obliged to take both when there was only a bed for one; so they both sleep together in one of the small beds. It was in December we heard about them first. Their father had gone away two or three years ago, and no one knew anything about him; but he had been so unkind to his wife and five children that no one wished

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TO THE MEMBERS OF WHO WITH LOVING HEARTS AND SELF-DENYING LABOURS HAVE HELPED TO BUILD "THE NEST" AND FEED THE BIRDS WHO HAVE FOUND SHELTER FROM THE WINTER STORMS, BY THEIR GRATEFUL FRIEND, THE SECRETARY.

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STHE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 47 Another group of three are the children of a poor working man, who lately fell off a cart, and was so injured that he will never be able to work again; he has been set up in a little business, selling matches, and laces, and such things. And the children are getting on finely in the NEST. The father has been a convert for many years, and, we believe, a real Christian. Now let us peep into the nursery. How nice it looks! The fire burns brightly; the cradle stands beside it, with a new pair of twin-dolls; and the little rocking-chair is near. Sitting in it is a little girl, looking tenderly at a dolly which seems a great treasure; its eyes will shut and open, and it is neatly and carefully dressed. It is little Kate H-. The doll was given to her, with a beautiful set of tea-things, on the Christmas-tree day, by some kind little girls who have adopted her. Katie was such a poor forlorn child when she came, that it was very hard to make her smile, and even now the head bends down a little too much; but there is a very sweet smile on the face when you can see it. Another little child has in the course of nine months become so changed in appearance one would hardly recognise her. The first time I saw her was at our outdoor fete. The children were playing about in kind Mrs. Harrison's lawn, but one little thing was seated all

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138 NOT ALONE. she said; but when Mr. Fleft me I cried myself sick. Then it came into my mind, 'Sure Jesus was once left alone; didn't His disciples all leave Him? and didn't He say, "Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me?" Sure God is with me, too,' I said; and I did get such comfort out of that; and, do you know, I haven't been a bit lonely since." For more than three months Emily dwelt in this ward. They were happy and useful months. A great deal or suffering of body; but Jesus spread a great calm over the spirit of the tried child, and she felt that all was well. Emily was very anxious to be made useful to those around her, and spoke much to her nurse about coming to Christ. A little before Christmas a young woman was placed in the same ward, whom Emily soon discovered to be a Roman Catholic. To this young woman she longed to speak, but felt a great difficulty about it. She told me of this, and asked if I would pray that she might have an opportunity given to her. A few days after Christmas I went to see her. She took hold of my hand eagerly, and said, "Sit close, I want to whisper. We had such a happy Christmas eve. I was well enough to sit up in a chair, and we had a good fire, and we had our tea; and then I was longing so to

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GOD'S PROVIDINGS. III testants, but as a little girl she had been placed in convent. 'A few months ago,' she said, 'two little girls came there neatly dressed and comfortable, but they were very unhappy. They would not kneel to the statue of the Blessed Virgin, or repeat the catechism we were taught. They said they had been taken away from a happy home called the Birds' Nest, and they prayed together in the corner of the playground that God would let them escape. One of them had a leaf of a Bible she kept hidden away in her breast; she seemed to love it very much. They told me a great deal about the Bible, and how wrong it was of me, a Protestant born, to be where I could not learn it; and I ran away.' We knew very well who these two dear children were. Only last April they were taken from us, the priest promising to make a lady of their poor wretched mother if she would only obey his wishes. For some time she refused, but at length, on the promise that the children would be left with herself, she took them. What followed we do not know; but we do know that the children are in the convent, and the mother in her wretched cellar, as poor and miserable as ever. And even now we see that God had work for those little ones. When it is done, He will provide for them a way of escape. Pray for them, dear children, that they may be kept unhurt in the trial, even as those three

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NOT ALONE. I33 head, and His right hand doth embrace me;" "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." A lady who often visited Emily writes the following: -" One day in September I found her sitting in the garden outside the cottage, and her face brightened up so sweetly when I said, I have come to stay a long time with you to-day. Shall I read to you?'-' Oh! please do,' she quickly replied. 'Is there any passage you would particularly wish ?'-' No; only something about Jesus.' I chose some verses in the seventh chapter ot the Revelation, about the happy ones arrayed in white robes, and then I read that nice hymn" 'Oh! cheer thee, cheer thee, suffering saint.' The fourth verse she liked very much" 'Yes He will cheer thee, He will prove The soul, encircled by His love, Can meekly, 'midst its anguish, say"Still will I trust Him though He slay;" And He will make His words thine own, Father, Thy will, not mine, be done.' 'Yes,' she said, 'that is what I try to do.'" Thus was dear Emily following Jesus; and, oh how He comforted her Often, in the still hours of the night, she felt that Jesus was near, and that she was "not alone." Sometimes she longed for the time when Jesus

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26 GOD'S CARE. Ah! the little children of The Birds' Nest have learned how strong God is, and they rely upon the promise written in the gist Psalm, He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust."

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SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE. I85 on the different subjects she was learning at school, or had her to sing hymns, which she did very nicely. Now her voice is attuned to the new song in the courts above. She used to speak of her love for the Bible, and would say, in her merry way, that she only wished every lesson were as easy to her as her Scripture-lesson. "She was not spoiled by the notice that was taken of -her, as another child might have been. Any little kindness towards her only seemed to make her grateful and happy. Her lip was the lip of truth; and we cannot remember ever seeing her out of temper during the two years and a-half that she was in the constant habit of spending her afternoons here. She was always a welcome visitor. As she hobbled in with the help of her little stick, every one was glad to see her. She always spoke of her teachers and Mrs. O'Neil with affection, and seemed very proud of being so much employed by the latter in helping to mend the boys' clothes, &c. "Sarah seemed deeply anxious for the conversion of her father, and that her little brothers should be placed under proper training. One day she wept bitterly, when thinking that they might wander about the streets uncared for, while their father was at his daily labour, and lest they should not be taught about the Lord Jesus. We never saw her more thoroughly happy than the last day she was

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176 A CONTRAST. who had been born in a warm climate, and were more delicate than other children Two of them, as orphans, had found a home in the Nest-their brother in the Boys' Home. Carry was subject to very severe illness, in which abscesses formed, and she suffered very much; but the present illness was not like the others: it was a low fever, which terminated in consumption. She was very patient and gentle; for some time she had. given evidence that she belonged to Jesus. When I knew that she was seriously ill, I asked her, would she be afraid to die? She said, "No; my sins are all taken away; I shall go to Jesus in heaven." She had two favourite hymns, one beginning"My Jesus, I love thee;" the other"Jesus loves me." These she often sung in the ravings of fever, and even in her sleep. One day I asked her what text she had thought of that day. She said, "I will lay me down in peace and take my rest." A few days before her death a friend went to see her; she could not talk much, but he spoke to her of Jesus' love. When he was gone she sat up in bed and said quite loudly to the other patients, "Did you hear him? he says Jesus loves me." The assurance seemed to com-

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GOING FORWARD. 33 get in in an orderly manner; but people got out of the way, and before long the regiment of children in blue and white was nicely settled upon a temporary gallery which had been provided for them. As we looked round upon that large meeting, our hearts were very full of gratitude to God that so many poor children had been brought together to learn of Jesus, and thankfulness that so many friends had been raised up to provide what was needful for those children; so we could sing with all our hearts, "Crown Him Lord of all." Then there was an earnest prayer to God, that He would continue to pour His blessing on the Institution, that every child coming in might be made indeed a child of God, and that the means might be raised, not only to feed and clothe the children, but also to pay for the nice new Home. Then there were other speeches made, and hymns sung by the children. It was a very happy meeting. And now that the Nest was opened, we were very anxious that the workmen should make as much haste as possible, and get out, so that the children might come in. The Matron's rooms were finished first, and she came in to get all into order. There were new bedsteads to be c

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THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. 51 the four walls of a back garret, without furniture, friends, or any earthly comfort but my little ones. My brother gives me till the 9th to consider whether I will give up my boy to go to the convent, or give up the friendship of all belonging to me. I am really bewildered. Please, madam, do not look on me as an imposter." The case was so urgent that the little boy, though only just past six, was taken and put to lodgings for a few months. The mother got a good situation as nurse, and is able to pay for her other two children at nurse. At Christmas her mistress allowed her to have her boy for a few days' visit. And if you had seen her coming into the Mission Church, looking like a model nurse, with her boy by the hand, you would have thanked God for such an institution as the Birds' Nest. Late one evening there came a note, written on an old leaf of a book, begging for a little relief for a sick child who attended one of the Mission Schools. I sent a shilling, and the next day went to the home of the poor child. It was a very small room at the top of a poor house, a bedstead and a chair the only furniture. An old woman sat near the fire with a child on her knee very ill. Another little one stood beside her. When I entered, the little one looked up with a smile of welcome, and I knew her and the sick one as little children

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HOW THE BUILDING WAS PAID FOR. 121 kindly dear Mr. Dallas made the exertion to be with us, though suffering from extreme weakness. He wished to join in celebrating this happy 'anniversary birthday,' as he named it, and to join us in raising our Ebenezer of prayer and praise to Him in whose name, and for whose glory the house had been built. "The accounts were finally closed in May following, and the Committee dissolved themselves, with deep thankfulness for the work they had been able to accomplish, and the blessing so abundantly bestowed on their labours."

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54 THE BIRDS IN THE NEST. Poor Willy was very delicate, and it was plain that there was not enough of food in their home for them all; for the father earned very little, and often spent that little on drink; and so Willy and a sister found a home in the Birds' Nest. She is one of the gentlest of our girls. At Christmas she got a prize marked for ne ever ready to help." She is about thirteen years old, and Willy about twelve. Nearly two years ago a very nice girl, who had come from Connemara, left the Nest and went to service. We have now her two little sisters-such an original-looking pair of children. Biddy is a thin, narrow-faced little thing, of perhaps eight years old, with straight black hair and black eyes. Maggie is, I should think, six-a little round thing, with short, brown, curly hair and blue eyes. They love each other very much, and Maggie seems to think that everybody means to be good to her. Both these little ones are adopted by friends. One day last year a poor woman, with four children, asked charity from a friend of ours. She said her husband was in India; she had come home with the children, and had not heard from him since. A little help was given from time to time, but it seemed of no use; they were starving, as the mother was too weak to work. So the three elder children were admitted into the Nest, and then the mother died, and then the baby.

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THE CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION. 83 "ERIN'S HOPE," the juvenile magazine of the Society for Irish Church Missions. For some years it had been a great pleasure to her to write true stories about Irish children for the children of England. I love little children very much indeed. I think that when Jesus gathered a group of children around Him, and put His hands upon them, and blessed them," He meant that His followers should be blessings to little children. And when he said to Peter, "Feed my lambs," He meant that not only Peter, but all who could say, with Peter, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee," should take the words of Jesus to their hearts, and should try to lead the lambs of the flock into the right paths. Thousands of children every month read "Erin's Hope." I should have felt it too great a responsibility to write for so many, only I knew that if Jesus said to me, "Feed my lambs," He would give me stores of food; He would give me the right thoughts and the right words; and so I took it as my work for Jesus. Well, you know, besides the children I was writing for, there were the poor little children God had given us to work for; and one day the thought came to me, Surely these children belong to each other, we must form a "CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION." The children to whom God has given good gifts will be glad to share them; and how

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148 CALLED AND CHOSEN. But he grew worse and worse; and just as the winter was over, and the sun began to warm up the homes of the poor, Pat had to leave school and go to an hospital. His leg was so bad that he had to lie many weeks quite still, suffering great pain; but he was so patient and gentle that those around could not help loving him. A good clergyman who visited the hospital used often to talk with Pat about Jesus, and listen to him while he sang his hymns. One day he thought the little boy was dying, and he gathered the other children who were in the hospital about Pat's bed, that they might see how happy he was; and the children sangS"I think when I read that sweet story of old." While they were singing the little boy kept his eyes fixed earnestly on his mother. He was asked why he did so. He said solemnly, "Because I think she does not know enough about the Lord Jesus." He then asked her to read the Bible, and attend the school. "I don't wish to stay any longer here," he said, "I would rather go to the Lord Jesus; but, mother, won't you do as I asked you?" Another day his mother was sitting beside him. He fixed his eyes upon her, and said solemnly, "Mother, I want you to go to heaven-won't you give your heart to Jesus? Mother,-pray to Jesus; trust in Jesus; He will

"A PILGRIM GOING HOME." 167 tion. A kind clergyman used to attend him, and read the Bible, and pray; and the sick man learned to trust in Jesus. When he was near death he was very anxious about his little girl, and he begged of the clergyman to take care of her. He said he would. The father died, and little Annie was left an orphan. The young clergyman did not know what to do with the little girl he had promised to take care of; so he wrote to his mother in Dublin, and got her admitted into the Birds' Nest." This was about four years ago.* Annie was very happy in the Birds' Nest. She had a mild, loving spirit, and she learned very quickly the hymns and verses of Scripture; and these hymns and verses were good seed, falling in good ground; watered by the Holy Spirit of God, they took root and grew up, and brought forth good fruit. Annie was a very delicate child, and very often was unable to attend school; but about a year ago she became much more delicate, and we had to send her to the Adelaide Hospital, where she spent many months. She had a disease of the heart, and she suffered a great deal of pain; but she was very patient, and was much beloved by those around her. She was in the children's ward, and she used to talk so nicely to the other children! One of Written in 1864.